BOSTON– As the life sciences industry looks to transform clinical research through innovation, a new report from eClinical Solutions reveals a growing emphasis on risk-based strategies and a more tempered approach to artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. The findings come from the company’s 2025 Industry Outlook report, based on a survey of 135 clinical data experts across biopharmaceutical, biotech, and contract research organizations.
Now in its third year, the annual survey highlights how clinical trial leaders are adapting to the evolving data landscape. While interest in AI remains high—72% of respondents report either using or considering AI for multiple applications—the initial excitement seen in previous years is leveling off. The report notes a notable rise in organizations with no plans to integrate AI, pointing instead to a growing reliance on risk-based strategies to enhance trial efficiency and compliance.
Compared to last year, nearly twice as many professionals now cite risk-based approaches as the most likely to drive meaningful improvements in trial performance over the next 12 months.
“AI has the potential to drive tomorrow’s breakthroughs, but right now we’re seeing a pivot toward more foundational improvements,” said Raj Indupuri, CEO and co-founder of eClinical Solutions. “To truly leverage AI, organizations need strong data and analytics infrastructure that supports innovation.”
Key findings from the 2025 survey include:
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59% of respondents prioritize real-time access to clinical trial data across teams.
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Only 33% believe their current technology stack is highly effective at managing risk.
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Among those using or considering AI, 98% face at least one implementation challenge, with regulatory compliance, data privacy, and proving return on investment cited as top concerns.
Rather than technical hurdles, most AI-related struggles stem from process complexity, underscoring the need for better frameworks and regulatory alignment before broader AI implementation can succeed.
The report also points to dissatisfaction with outsourcing partners, who are commonly used by 75% of organizations to manage clinical data. However, respondents indicated that these partners often fall short—particularly in delivering real-time data insights and innovative solutions. Over 80% of leaders said they want their data partners to improve in both areas.
“As organizations grapple with increasingly complex trial designs and data types, they need partners who can evolve alongside them,” said Diane Lacroix, Vice President of Clinical Data Management at eClinical Solutions. “That means going beyond technology to deliver on people, processes, and outcomes.”
The 2025 Industry Outlook paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads—balancing the promise of emerging technologies with the need for practical, scalable solutions to long-standing data challenges.
