ICON plc,a world-leading clinical research organisation powered by healthcare intelligence, announced results from a recent global survey of 101 biotech and pharma professionals across Europe and North America to understand the trajectory of AI and digital innovation adoption within clinical research.
Respondents revealed that attitudes towards the potential impact of digital tools and AI solutions remain relatively positive. Sponsors’ optimism about their potential to improve R&D productivity has grown +5% since 2019 – the last time ICON conducted a similar survey.
They agreed that digital tools could improve return on R&D investments (82%), improve product safety and efficacy (76%), and support ability to compete in targeted medicine markets (76%). But, compared to 2019, sponsors now have more realistic expectations on how quickly the benefits of AI can be realised at a broader level, and the investment of capital, time and expertise needed to create tangible results.
In its new whitepaper on these findings, “Digital disruption: Surveying the industry's evolving landscape”, ICON shares how and why companies should take a more integrated approach to digital tools and AI.
Tom O’Leary, Chief Information Officer, ICON commented: “Over the last five years the life sciences industry has gained a greater appreciation of the level of investment required to capitalise on the potential of AI and digital tools. Digital innovation in clinical research can support more efficient and less burdensome trials. But in order to fully realise the productivity gains, companies must embrace what these tools can offer at a broad level, as opposed to one-off applications.”
The survey found that investment in AI and digital tools is significant. Over the past five years, the average total investment increase in digital tools is estimated at 34%. Looking forward, 88% of respondents expect their organisation to increase investment in the next one or two years.
However, at this stage in their implementation journeys, new technologies are being used more in single development programs, with organisations not yet incorporating them at a wider scale. A large majority of respondents (70%) said their focus was either piloting or selectively using AI in clinical development. Only 13% said they have a comprehensive AI program fully implemented.
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