A concurrent force is accelerating this trend: the ageing population. In Europe, 30% of the population will be over 65 by 2050. This means that people are becoming more reliant on the healthcare system, but fewer people are available to serve them.
The widening digital skills gap (where pharma is falling behind)
Compared to industries like finance and retail, pharma has been slower in embracing digital transformation. Historically, conservative decision-making, complex regulations, and legacy systems have kept change at bay. As AI, automation, and data analytics become the industry standard, the need for a digitally capable workforce has never been greater.
Building a digital-first company with an analogue workforce is like running through quicksand. The infrastructure may be there, but without the right capabilities, progress is frustratingly slow.
From legacy mindsets to digital-first thinking – the culture shift needed
Adopting digital technology is not just about up-skilling—it requires a shift in mindset. Many pharmaceutical organisations operate within traditional hierarchies, with slow decision-making and a high-risk aversion. But in an AI-driven world, success favours those who can test, learn, and adapt quickly.
Three critical skill sets for the future pharma workforce
To thrive in an AI-driven, digital-first world, pharma companies must focus on three essential skill sets:
Digital literacy across roles: Every function, from R&D to sales, needs a foundational understanding of AI, automation, and digital engagement. This is no longer just an IT challenge; it’s a company-wide priority.
Data-driven decision-making: Employees need hands-on training with analytics tools to improve clinical trials, patient engagement, and marketing strategies. Companies that successfully integrate AI into decision-making see faster time-to-market and better patient outcomes.
Human-AI collaboration: AI should assist, not replace, human expertise. Employees must have the skills to work effectively alongside intelligent systems, ensuring AI is used ethically and strategically.
How pharma companies can up-skill and future-proof their workforce
Recognising that digital transformation is a people challenge as much as a technology challenge, leading pharma companies are taking proactive steps to up-skill their workforce:
Internal digital academies: Establish in-house training programs on AI, data literacy, and digital engagement.
Collaborations with tech and academia: Partnering with AI companies and universities to bring in expertise and create tailored learning programs.
Reverse mentorship programs: Encouraging younger, digitally fluent employees to mentor senior leadership to bridge the knowledge gap.
Gamified learning and micro-credentialing: Making up-skilling engaging, flexible, and accessible to a diverse workforce.
The mindset shift to making digital a part of pharma’s DNA
Technology will continue to evolve, but the real question is whether pharma organisations will evolve with it. Building a future-ready workforce requires more than just skills training. It demands a cultural shift where digital fluency is embedded into every aspect of the business.
At JOURNEY, we believe that digital transformation isn’t just about tools; it’s about the people who power them. Our Solve & Evolve™ methodology ensures that talent up-skilling and integration are embedded into every transformation initiative. The companies that prioritise their workforce today will drive innovation and own the future of pharma.
*Top ten observations from 2022 in life sciences digital and analytics
A concurrent force is accelerating this trend: the ageing population. In Europe, 30% of the population will be over 65 by 2050. This means that people are becoming more reliant on the healthcare system, but fewer people are available to serve them.
The widening digital skills gap (where pharma is falling behind)
Compared to industries like finance and retail, pharma has been slower in embracing digital transformation. Historically, conservative decision-making, complex regulations, and legacy systems have kept change at bay. As AI, automation, and data analytics become the industry standard, the need for a digitally capable workforce has never been greater.
Building a digital-first company with an analogue workforce is like running through quicksand. The infrastructure may be there, but without the right capabilities, progress is frustratingly slow.
From legacy mindsets to digital-first thinking – the culture shift needed
Adopting digital technology is not just about up-skilling—it requires a shift in mindset. Many pharmaceutical organisations operate within traditional hierarchies, with slow decision-making and a high-risk aversion. But in an AI-driven world, success favours those who can test, learn, and adapt quickly.
Three critical skill sets for the future pharma workforce
To thrive in an AI-driven, digital-first world, pharma companies must focus on three essential skill sets:
Digital literacy across roles: Every function, from R&D to sales, needs a foundational understanding of AI, automation, and digital engagement. This is no longer just an IT challenge; it’s a company-wide priority.
Data-driven decision-making: Employees need hands-on training with analytics tools to improve clinical trials, patient engagement, and marketing strategies. Companies that successfully integrate AI into decision-making see faster time-to-market and better patient outcomes.
Human-AI collaboration: AI should assist, not replace, human expertise. Employees must have the skills to work effectively alongside intelligent systems, ensuring AI is used ethically and strategically.
How pharma companies can up-skill and future-proof their workforce
Recognising that digital transformation is a people challenge as much as a technology challenge, leading pharma companies are taking proactive steps to up-skill their workforce:
Internal digital academies: Establish in-house training programs on AI, data literacy, and digital engagement.
Collaborations with tech and academia: Partnering with AI companies and universities to bring in expertise and create tailored learning programs.
Reverse mentorship programs: Encouraging younger, digitally fluent employees to mentor senior leadership to bridge the knowledge gap.
Gamified learning and micro-credentialing: Making up-skilling engaging, flexible, and accessible to a diverse workforce.
The mindset shift to making digital a part of pharma’s DNA
Technology will continue to evolve, but the real question is whether pharma organisations will evolve with it. Building a future-ready workforce requires more than just skills training. It demands a cultural shift where digital fluency is embedded into every aspect of the business.
At JOURNEY, we believe that digital transformation isn’t just about tools; it’s about the people who power them. Our Solve & Evolve™ methodology ensures that talent up-skilling and integration are embedded into every transformation initiative. The companies that prioritise their workforce today will drive innovation and own the future of pharma.
*Top ten observations from 2022 in life sciences digital and analytics
A concurrent force is accelerating this trend: the ageing population. In Europe, 30% of the population will be over 65 by 2050. This means that people are becoming more reliant on the healthcare system, but fewer people are available to serve them.
The widening digital skills gap (where pharma is falling behind)
Compared to industries like finance and retail, pharma has been slower in embracing digital transformation. Historically, conservative decision-making, complex regulations, and legacy systems have kept change at bay. As AI, automation, and data analytics become the industry standard, the need for a digitally capable workforce has never been greater.
Building a digital-first company with an analogue workforce is like running through quicksand. The infrastructure may be there, but without the right capabilities, progress is frustratingly slow.
From legacy mindsets to digital-first thinking – the culture shift needed
Adopting digital technology is not just about up-skilling—it requires a shift in mindset. Many pharmaceutical organisations operate within traditional hierarchies, with slow decision-making and a high-risk aversion. But in an AI-driven world, success favours those who can test, learn, and adapt quickly.
Three critical skill sets for the future pharma workforce
To thrive in an AI-driven, digital-first world, pharma companies must focus on three essential skill sets:
Digital literacy across roles: Every function, from R&D to sales, needs a foundational understanding of AI, automation, and digital engagement. This is no longer just an IT challenge; it’s a company-wide priority.
Data-driven decision-making: Employees need hands-on training with analytics tools to improve clinical trials, patient engagement, and marketing strategies. Companies that successfully integrate AI into decision-making see faster time-to-market and better patient outcomes.
Human-AI collaboration: AI should assist, not replace, human expertise. Employees must have the skills to work effectively alongside intelligent systems, ensuring AI is used ethically and strategically.
How pharma companies can up-skill and future-proof their workforce
Recognising that digital transformation is a people challenge as much as a technology challenge, leading pharma companies are taking proactive steps to up-skill their workforce:
Internal digital academies: Establish in-house training programs on AI, data literacy, and digital engagement.
Collaborations with tech and academia: Partnering with AI companies and universities to bring in expertise and create tailored learning programs.
Reverse mentorship programs: Encouraging younger, digitally fluent employees to mentor senior leadership to bridge the knowledge gap.
Gamified learning and micro-credentialing: Making up-skilling engaging, flexible, and accessible to a diverse workforce.
The mindset shift to making digital a part of pharma’s DNA
Technology will continue to evolve, but the real question is whether pharma organisations will evolve with it. Building a future-ready workforce requires more than just skills training. It demands a cultural shift where digital fluency is embedded into every aspect of the business.
At JOURNEY, we believe that digital transformation isn’t just about tools; it’s about the people who power them. Our Solve & Evolve™ methodology ensures that talent up-skilling and integration are embedded into every transformation initiative. The companies that prioritise their workforce today will drive innovation and own the future of pharma.
*Top ten observations from 2022 in life sciences digital and analytics
