Despite the transformational potential of digitalization, the pharma industry has historically been slower than other sectors in adopting digital tools, such as cloud storage, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), blockchain, and remote communication technologies, and in ­mak­ing associated changes in workplace culture and strategic priorities. Now, however, the Covid-19 pandemic may be accel­erating the pace of change.
What are the digitalization trends in the industry? What is the business case to develop and implement digital tools and digitalization strategies? And how can organizations introduce and use them?

CHEManager asked executives and industry experts to share their views on digitalization trends in the pharmaceutical industry and challenges on the way to realize the sector’s digital transformation. We proposed to discuss the following aspects:

• What do you think are the key digitalization trends in the pharmaceutical industry?
• What do you consider to be the most important benefits of digitalization in the pharmaceutical industry?
• Is your company involved in system­atic, ongoing action to digitalize operations?
• At present, digitalization in the pharmaceutical industry is immature. In your view, what are the biggest obstacles that need to be overcome in the digitalization of the sector?
• How would you rate the digital maturity level of your company?

Read the insightful answers of the experts here.

Viola Meisterling
Digital Officer HPS&GQ, Boehringer Ingelheim

Markus Zeitz
Quality Innovation hub lead, Novartis

Michelangelo Canzoneri
Global Head of Digital and Data, Healthcare Business, Merck

Balajikasiram Sundararajan
Chief Digital Officer, ACG

Teresa Minero
Founder & CEO, LifeBee

Rino Woyczyk
Head of Life Sciences, Drees & Sommer

Andreas Bonhoff
CEO, TTP Group

Ferdinand Biermann
Head of business unit Life Sciences Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT