Stamford, Conn. — Life sciences companies are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence and forging deeper partnerships with contract research organizations (CROs) to become more agile, innovative, and responsive to patient needs, according to a new report released by global technology research and advisory firm ISG (Nasdaq: III).
The 2025 ISG Provider Lens Life Sciences Digital Services report outlines a sweeping digital transformation across the industry. Pressured by regulatory changes, the shift toward decentralized clinical trials, and evolving expectations around patient engagement, life sciences organizations are turning to emerging technologies to modernize core operations, from clinical development to manufacturing and pharmacovigilance.
“Digital transformation is changing what it means to be a leading life sciences enterprise,” said Jenn Stein, ISG partner and life sciences industry lead. “Companies that embrace automation, patient-centric strategies, and real-time data will be best positioned to thrive.”
The report finds that artificial intelligence is reshaping the way clinical trials are designed and conducted. AI is streamlining trial protocols, improving documentation, and enabling decentralized models through the use of telemedicine, wearable devices, and real-time data capture. These tools make it easier for patients to participate in studies, integrating trials into their everyday lives.
On the patient engagement front, telehealth and personalized digital communications are helping organizations build ongoing, proactive relationships with patients. At the same time, pharmacovigilance systems powered by AI and automation are transforming how life sciences companies track safety data, submit regulatory documentation, and prepare for audits. These modern systems are increasingly aligned with digital regulatory platforms, allowing companies to scale more easily and respond faster to compliance demands.
CROs are playing a larger, more strategic role in this evolving ecosystem. No longer limited to transactional support, CROs now participate in a wide array of activities—including clinical development, patient engagement, and regulatory affairs—often contributing AI capabilities to improve outcomes.
“Life sciences companies depend on CROs more than ever, especially for engaging with participants in decentralized trials,” said Rohan Sinha, principal analyst at ISG and co-author of the report. “Strategic partnerships are essential in this increasingly complex industry.”
The report also highlights additional trends such as the growing use of generative AI in customer experience personalization and the increasing emphasis on automation and sustainability in manufacturing.
ISG evaluated 62 providers across seven service quadrants, identifying major players such as Accenture, Capgemini, Cognizant, Deloitte, HCLTech, Infosys, TCS, and Wipro as leaders in five categories each. ICON plc, IQVIA, and PPD were named leaders in three quadrants, while Tech Mahindra, Hexaware, NTT DATA, Parexel, and Syneos Health earned leadership status in two. Several others—including Genpact, Indegene, LTIMindtree, and WuXI AppTec—were recognized in one quadrant each. Tech Mahindra also received “Rising Star” designation in two areas, reflecting its growing potential.
More information, including ISG’s recommendations and a summary of key challenges facing the life sciences industry, is available in the ISG Provider Lens Focal Points briefing.
