DirtyAsh
I did not quite understand the solution. I don't agree that solution A is incorrect. The usage of "as long as" makes that condition (innovation) is not met if the underlying condition ( investment ) is not there. The underlying condition is the necessity not a desirable condition for the next condition to be fulfilled.
It is more like to be good racing driver and score the points in a race, one has to develop the necessary skills. Other things like car model, knowledge, luck, support staff are desirable or maybe necessary also.
Core issue: "as long as" != "only if"
"As long as" -> sufficient condition: Investment guarantees innovation, but isn't necessarily the only way to innovate.
"Only if" -> necessary condition: Then no investment = no innovation (A would be valid).
A's error: Assumes investment is the only path to innovation, the passage never says that.
B works because it just chains forward: Innovation -> Competitive -> FTA benefit. No assumptions added.
Hope that helps!!