The R&D productivity challenge: transforming the pharmaceutical ecosystem

The persistent decline in pharmaceutical R&D productivity has been extensively analyzed and debated for over two decades, with profound implications for the structure and strategy of the pharmaceutical industry. This systemic challenge forced many leading companies to adapt their R&D models, influencing internal capabilities and external innovation strategies. In response, the industry has evolved into a complex, interdependent biopharmaceutical ecosystem encompassing large pharmaceutical corporations, biotech innovators and specialized service providers. Although R&D productivity affects all research-driven companies, its consequences are particularly pronounced for large pharmaceutical firms, because the scale and capital intensity of their R&D activities make productivity a crucial determinant of long-term competitiveness and sustainability. By contrast, other stakeholders are only partially adversely affected, whereas some can even obtain value from it.