Innovation appears to be embedded in Werner Baumann's DNA. It is part of his makeup and the driving force behind Bayer AG's philosophy in China.

During the next five years, Bayer will continue to invest in pharmaceuticals, crop science and consumer health.

By 2020, the company will have injected 1.4 billion yuan ($207 million) ＩＮＴＯ its manufacturing plant in Kunming, Yunnan province.

Baumann told China Daily about his hands-on approach, the company's plans here and his love for Do-It-Yourself, or DIY.

How do you visualize China's economic future?

The country has set 2020 as the target year to realize the "centenary goal" of building a moderately prosperous society (in an all-round way). This involves doubling its 2010 GDP (gross domestic product) and the 2010 per capita income of urban and rural residents by then.

In order to do this, China must maintain a steady medium-to-high rate of economic growth, while prioritizing better quality and more sustainable expansion.

With an increasing and aging population, it will be a challenge, both globally and in China, to ensure an adequate supply of safe, nutritious food, and access to healthcare products.

How do you assess Bayer's prospects here?

We have invested in China during many years and have an extensive footprint here. The country is the world's second largest economy, accounting for more than 30 percent of global economic growth in 2016.

We are confident we will be able to seize market opportunities in accordance with our business strategy and the needs of Chinese society. Our product portfolio and solutions are well suited to help generate sustainable growth.

What are your company's plans in China and for the group globally?

We believe that innovation and the ability to adapt quickly to a changing external environment are crucial drivers to invigorate and enhance economies. It will also help us stay competitive.

Our mission, "Bayer－Science for a Better Life", puts innovation at the heart of our company. We innovate to meet our customers' and patients' needs, and to adapt to fast-changing circumstances. Therefore, China's push for more innovation fits our business and market positioning.

What is your biggest achievement in China as CEO of Bayer?

There are many areas in China which allow us to make a real contribution to the welfare of the Chinese people. One big trend is the shift in focus of the country's economy toward innovation and entrepreneurship. This suits Bayer as innovation is at the heart of our company.

We use advanced technology at our production sites in China. For example, the 100 million euros expansion of our pharmaceutical packaging plant in Beijing features industry-leading manufacturing efficiency, robotics, automation and digitalization.

Also, an oral multi-kinase inhibitor for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal tumors was launched in China this year. In the agribusiness, Bayer has rolled out nine new crop protection products in the country, covering rice, corn, wheat, vegetables and fruits between 2015-16.

More recently, we introduced a traditional Chinese medicine product, which we produce at our plant in Kunming.

How do you get along with local partners?

We have long-term relationships with leading institutions and universities in China, including a strategic collaboration program with Peking University to promote translational research in drug discovery.

We also have a research program with the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the fields of new synthetic methodology, natural product derivatives and organometallic chemistry.

There is, of course, a research agreement with the Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences to improve wheat yields. Other partnerships involve our e-commerce connections and startups through our digital health incubator program.