Building a Digital-First Culture in Pharma
As the pharmaceutical industry accelerates its digital transformation journey, adopting a digital-first culture has emerged as a critical enabler for success. The ability to integrate digital tools, foster innovation, and create cross-functional collaboration is becoming essential for companies to remain competitive, especially in an era where personalized medicine, remote healthcare, and data-driven drug development
are gaining ground.In this blog, we explore the key lessons learned from various studies, industry practices, and real-world examples of how a digital-first culture is being built in the pharmaceutical sector. We also reference statistics and findings from leading publications to support the importance of each step.
Leadership ‘Buy-In’ is Critical
Digital transformation in any industry, particularly in regulated environments like pharma, starts with leadership buy-in. A study by McKinsey found that 70% of digital transformations fail, often due to a lack of strong leadership engagement(McKinsey & Company). For a transformation to be successful, leadership must not only approve digital initiatives but also actively promote and invest in them. Executives should champion digital initiatives, allocate resources, and demonstrate the urgency of embracing technology.
For example, Novartis, a major pharmaceutical player, has made significant strides in digital transformation by involving their top leadership in guiding innovation. They developed a Chief Digital Officer role to drive these changes from the top down, creating accountability and a culture where digital initiatives are celebrated at every level(pharmaphorum)(IIDE).
Develop a Clear Roadmap
Without a strategic roadmap, digital-first initiatives often falter. A clear, defined plan with measurable milestones and KPIs is necessary to ensure alignment with business goals. A Pharmaphorum article emphasizes that regulated industries, like pharma, must carefully align digital transformations with regulatory compliance. This is crucial not only for tracking progress but for ensuring that new technologies are integrated in a way that complies with industry regulations(pharmaphorum).
A roadmap should also take into consideration emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cloud computing. For example, blockchain technology is being used to track the pharmaceutical supply chain, enhancing transparency and security. According to a report from Allied Market Research, the blockchain in pharma market is expected to grow to $16.3 billion by 2028(IIDE).
Promote Cross-Department Collaboration
In many pharma organizations, departments like R&D, IT, and commercial operations operate in silos, which can stifle innovation. Digital transformation is most effective when these silos are broken down, encouraging cross-functional collaboration. The McKinsey report emphasizes that companies leveraging cross-functional teams are better positioned to innovate and create digital tools that meet both scientific and commercial needs(McKinsey & Company).
This shift towards collaboration can be seen in pharmaceutical companies’ approach to drug development. AI-powered platforms for drug discovery require constant input from IT, data science, and R&D teams to function effectively. A Harvard Business Review study found that cross-functional collaboration in pharma companies increased efficiency by up to 25%, largely due to faster data-sharing and integrated feedback loops(IIDE).
Invest in Upskilling
A digital-first culture thrives on continuous learning. In an industry that is as technically complex as pharmaceuticals, upskilling employees in the latest digital tools is not just a bonus—it’s a necessity. Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends report reveals that organizations with continuous learning cultures outperform peers by three times in financial performance(IIDE).
Upskilling can take many forms, from formal training programs in AI, data analytics, and cloud computing to external partnerships with technology providers. Some pharmaceutical companies are even integrating machine learning courses into their internal training to help employees leverage these advanced tools in clinical trials and drug discovery. This upskilling helps employees transition from traditional operational roles to more strategically oriented positions, where they can make data-driven decisions.
Embrace Agility
In an industry known for stringent regulation and compliance, pharma companies are not traditionally seen as agile. However, balancing operational rigor with agility is key to thriving in the digital-first world.
Agility allows companies to adapt quickly to both regulatory changes and market shifts. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pfizer adopted an agile model to rapidly scale up vaccine production. Their ability to adapt quickly and leverage real-time data from clinical trials enabled them to move from development to approval in record time(IIDE)(QbD Group).
According to a report by Deloitte, 88% of pharmaceutical executives believe that agility will be a key factor in their success over the next five years. This is particularly true as companies incorporate digital health solutions, such as remote monitoring devices and AI-driven patient data analysis, into their everyday operations(QbD Group).
Celebrate Wins and Learn from Setbacks
Recognizing achievements and learning from both successes and failures helps sustain long-term digital transformation efforts. Digital culture isn’t static—it evolves. By regularly reviewing progress, companies can adapt to challenges and fine-tune their strategies. According to Gartner, companies that celebrate quick wins during their digital transformation process are 1.5 times more likely to sustain momentum(IIDE).
For example, Sanofi, a global biopharmaceutical company, has implemented a practice of regular reflection and feedback. They have set up innovation labs where teams can test new ideas, allowing them to learn from failures in a controlled environment. This iterative process ensures that lessons learned from setbacks feed into continuous improvement(McKinsey & Company)(pharmaphorum).
Building the Foundation for a Digital-First Future
Building a digital-first culture in pharma is about more than implementing new technologies. It’s about fostering a mindset that encourages innovation, collaboration, and agility. By embracing a structured approach—one that starts with leadership commitment, incorporates a clear roadmap, promotes cross-department collaboration, and supports continuous learning—pharmaceutical companies can drive sustainable digital transformations that will keep them competitive in an increasingly digital world.
Moreover, adopting data-driven decision-making, using AI-powered tools, and prioritizing patient outcomes through personalized healthcare will propel the industry forward. In this dynamic era, companies that embed digital into their DNA will be the ones to drive sustainable innovation and create significant long-term value for both patients and stakeholders.
References:
- McKinsey, “The Road to Digital Success in Pharma,” 2023.
- Pharmaphorum, “Digital Transformation in Pharma: The Importance of Digitalization,” 2022.
- Allied Market Research, “Blockchain in Pharma Market,” 2023.
- Harvard Business Review, “Cross-functional Collaboration in Pharma,” 2023.
- Deloitte, “Global Human Capital Trends: 2024.”
- Gartner, “Sustaining Momentum in Digital Transformations,” 2023.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences on this topic.
- How is your organization adapting to the Digital First Culture?
- What strategies have you found effective?
Let’s collaborate to enhance engagement and make a lasting impact on healthcare.
About Glyz Consulting
We’re specialist in pharma industry digital marketing and customer engagement. At Glyz Consulting we are passionate about bridging the gap between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals. With more than 65+ years of combined experience in crafting strategies that resonate with HCPs, we aim to foster collaborations that ultimately benefit patient care.
Glyz Consulting – Your Parther in Business Excellence
glyzconsulting.com | contact@glyzconsulting.com
