How US life science CEOs view digital transformation and AI compared with global peers

CEOs of large life sciences companies anticipate quickly recouping investments in digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), while those in the US are expecting or have achieved quicker returns than their global peers, KPMG's 2018 CEO Outlook found.

KPMG surveyed CEOs at companies with more than $500 million in annual revenue about their anticipated return on investment from artificial intelligence. This piece looks at the results of 109 CEOs in the life sciences sector, which includes 40 based in the United States.

"Life sciences CEOs – and particularly those in the US – are much more optimistic about their digital transformation efforts than some of the other industries, because the ability to capture data more effectively is making medicine more personalised, effective and efficient," said Liam Walsh, KPMG LLP line of business leader for healthcare & life sciences.

Most life sciences companies have made investments in AI in some form, according to CEO Outlook. US life sciences CEOs were also more likely to see the strategic value of these investments – as opposed to the tactical value – than their global counterparts.

Among the US CEOs surveyed this year, 25% said they have already achieved significant returns from AI investments and also digital transformation programs that have reshaped business functions such as product development, finance, IT, human resources, regulatory compliance, and marketing. Only 9% of global life sciences CEOs said they've already achieved a significant return on investment in artificial intelligence and digital transformation programs.

Another 33% of CEOs surveyed – both globally and in the United States – expect their investments in digital transformation to pay off within 12 months, the survey found.

AI and life sciences jobs

Artificial intelligence and automation have traditionally been seen as threats to employment. However, 60% of US life sciences CEOs – 67% globally – see AI creating more jobs than it eliminates. The anticipated benefits from AI tend to vary by market, where the US based executives see cost savings and risk management as the biggest factor. CEOs outside the US see the technology helping their data governance and customer service.

"AI and other emerging technologies will transform how life sciences organizations operate in the future, since patients can be matched to more effective treatments and business processes can be made more efficient," said Katie Dahler, KPMG LLP advisory leader for life sciences.

"The need for this technology in life sciences becomes more apparent in the 'beyond the pill' services that pharma companies are establishing to treat more complex medical conditions."

KPMG surveyed nearly 1,300 CEOs at companies with more than $500 million in annual revenue, including 400 based in the United States for the 2018 CEO Outlook. For life sciences portion of the survey, 109 were surveyed around the world, including 40 in the United States.