C-suite barometer: life sciences & pharmaceuticals sector view

Unlocking Growth in the pharma and life sciences sector

Our latest Forvis Mazars C-suite barometer report provides invaluable insights into the life sciences and pharmaceuticals sector, based on the perspectives of over 1,700 executives from 35 countries. C-suite executives express optimism on the future of the sector and outline their strategic priorities and the challenges they face in a rapidly evolving landscape in the coming years.

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Key findings 

• 98of C-suite leaders are optimistic about their business growth in 2025.
• 55of C-suite executives cite increased competition.
• 39of leaders identify economic factors as having the biggest impact on businesses.
• 67of firms in the sector are boosting investment, averaged across all business activities.
• 47of C-suite executives outline supply chain restrictions or procurement challenges as a key factor impacting growth.
• 88of C-suite executives expect generative AI to impact their organisation this year.

• Positive growth outlook: An impressive 98% of C-suite leaders are optimistic about their business growth in 2025, driven by robust drug pipelines and significant investments in research and development (R&D).
• Strategic priorities: The top priorities for executives include delivering new products and services, digital transformation, and international expansion. Organisations in the sector are focusing on innovation, efficiency, and operational agility.
• Emerging technologies: The sector is embracing digital transformation, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational processes and drive innovation in drug development and precision medicine.
• Supply chain resilience: Supply chain continuity remains a critical concern, with geopolitical tensions and climate-related disruptions prompting leaders to reassess their strategies.
• Sustainability and ESG: Companies are leading the way in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance, setting ambitious sustainability targets and ensuring global access to medicines.

Challenges ahead:

• Increased competition: The sector faces heightened competition, supply chain restrictions, and procurement challenges.
• Regulatory and economic uncertainty: Political tensions and economic instability are significant concerns that could impact growth.
• Ethical and compliance issues: The rapid adoption of AI and other technologies brings ethical considerations and the need for robust data governance and security measures.

What is striking about this year's findings is the high levels of optimism in the life sciences & pharmaceutical sector, with 98% of C-suite leaders indicating a positive growth outlook for their businesses in 2025. What is behind such optimism are robust drug pipelines and significant investments in R&D, allowing the sector to grow revenues that put it in a strong position to support future growth ambitions.

Nigel Layton Partner - Head of Pharma & Life Sciences

Looking ahead, executives have outlined three core strategic priorities for 2025 and beyond: entering new products and services, accelerating digital transformation to enhance efficiency and agility, international expansion, and strengthening supply chains in response to geopolitical and climate risks, particularly sustainability and supplier responsibility, into core business strategy.

Explore the full findings and discover how sector leaders are preparing for growth in a complex and competitive environment.