Chemistry is both a science of transformation and a structure of control. It governs the materials that shape our world—through bonds forged between atoms, and through policies, patents, and industrial standards. Its industry supports countless others, from agriculture to automotive, from textiles to tech. At the same time, the sector is weighed down by stigma—often perceived as a polluting, extractive force—when it is foundational to modern life. But in Romania, the chemical sector also reveals a system in crisis: fragmented infrastructure, underused expertise, and limited space for innovation.