eClinical Solutions: AI Adoption and Risk-Based Strategies in 2025 Clinical Trials
eClinical Solutions LLC, a global provider of digital clinical software and services, has unveiled key insights from its 2025 Industry Outlook, an annual survey of clinical data experts from large, mid-sized, and small biopharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), and biotechnology companies. Now in its third year, the research aims to provide a snapshot of how organizations are preparing for the future of clinical data, focusing on the evolving role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in transforming the clinical trial process.
The 2025 Industry Outlook highlights that while the interest in AI adoption remains strong, the enthusiasm seen in previous years appears to be moderating. The report reveals that fewer experts are still in the exploratory phase of AI use, and although 72% of organizations are either currently using or considering AI integration across multiple applications, there has been a noticeable rise in those with no plans to integrate AI at all.
Instead, the data suggests that many organizations are shifting their focus toward risk-based strategies, emphasizing the identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks to improve trial quality and compliance. Nearly twice as many respondents now believe that risk-based strategies will have the most significant impact on improving clinical trial efficiency and outcomes in the next year, compared to 2024.
In both areas, the research underscores a growing recognition among clinical data professionals of the importance of having the right processes and skilled people in place for success. Notable findings from the survey include:
- 59% of respondents highlight that providing real-time access to data across clinical teams is a high priority.
- Only one-third of organizations feel their current tech stack is very effective at managing risk.
- While nearly two-thirds of respondents are using or considering AI, 98% report facing at least one challenge. On average, respondents identified 2.5 pain points related to AI adoption.
The survey indicates that the challenges in using AI stem more from the processes involved than from the technology itself. Issues such as regulatory compliance, data privacy, and demonstrating return on investment (ROI) remain significant barriers for many organizations. Despite these challenges, the report suggests that AI continues to offer opportunities for life science leaders, particularly through strategic adoption to reimagine traditional workflows and improve efficiency in managing, analyzing, and applying clinical trial data.
Raj Indupuri, CEO and co-founder of eClinical Solutions, commented on the industry’s ongoing challenges: “As biopharma continues to struggle with longstanding issues like accelerating cycle times and enhancing research and development productivity, only 26% of respondents are very satisfied with the speed at which their organizations are innovating their data strategies and processes.” He continued, “AI can support the industry in driving tomorrow’s breakthroughs, but to do so, organizations must build an interoperable data and analytics infrastructure, creating a strong foundation for innovation.”
Another key area identified in the survey is the role of partnerships in driving digital transformation in clinical trials. The report found that while 75% of organizations rely on outsourcing partners to manage their clinical trial data, these partnerships often fail to meet expectations. Key areas of dissatisfaction include failure to meet clinical data timelines, difficulty in assigning experienced professionals, and poor-quality outputs. These misalignments reflect a disconnect between the complexity of clinical data and the capabilities of outsourcing partners.
Diane Lacroix, Vice President of Clinical Data Management at eClinical Solutions, emphasized the need for improved partnership dynamics: “The data shows that over 80% of industry leaders want their partners to do better at providing real-time data insights, and 81% want their partners to propose more innovative solutions.” She added, “As life science organizations continue to face challenges related to data chaos, selecting vendors that are transforming data delivery with a focus on people, processes, and technology will be crucial for improving efficiencies in managing more complex trial designs and emerging data types.”
The survey results indicate that while organizations are making strides in adopting AI and enhancing risk-based strategies, the path to digital transformation in clinical trials remains complex. However, by focusing on process optimization, AI adoption, and strategic partnerships, organizations can overcome these challenges and position themselves for future success in clinical data management.
eClinical Solutions’ 2025 Industry Outlook provides valuable insights into the priorities and challenges faced by clinical data professionals in the biopharmaceutical, CRO, and biotechnology sectors. As the industry continues to evolve, the findings from this research suggest that AI will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of clinical trials, but only if organizations can overcome existing obstacles related to technology adoption, risk management, and data-driven decision-making.
