JOHANNESBURG-- July 9, 2008--Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Innovative products remain the most important factor for lasting success, said Dr. Ulrich Lehner, President of the German Chemical Industry Association, at a conference in Frankfurt. Because of this emphasis on innovation, German companies have strongly increased their research budgets. Production costs have fallen significantly, resulting in much higher earning power and increased potential for growth. "We think we can increase production in the German chemical industry by an annual 3% on average up to 2020," stated Lehner.