to increasing/increased sales

Hello guys

I'm an English learner from Japan. I have a question about English expressions:

(1) Market research is key to increasing sales.
(2) Market research is key to increased sales.

Are the two the same in the meaning? If they are so, which one sounds more natural?

Thanks in advance.

I PREFER THE FIRST ONE.
'INCREASING SALES ' IS SOMETHING CAN USED AN NOUN.
I DON'T KNOW WHETHER THE SECOND ONE IS RIGHT