Data Analysis: Pandemic Impacts

How COVID-19 has impacted supply chains, pipelines, digital strategy and working life

COVID-19 impact on supply chain has changed
very little compared to 2020

"To what extent is the pandemic currently impacting your supply chain?"

The pandemic is currently impacting supply chains for 87% of respondents - exactly the same proportion as in 2020. For almost a quarter of respondents it is having a significant impact.

When comparing different regions, Europe is facing slightly lesser impacts, with 17% seeing no impact and just 11% seeing significant impact, compared to 11% of North Americans seeing no impact and 25% significant impact.

The pandemic has reduced pipelines for 48% of organizations

"What impact has the pandemic had on your organization’s pipelines?"

Another impact of the pandemic can be seen on pipelines. 10% of respondents' organizations have seen significantly reduced pipelines and a further 38% slightly reduced. Conversely, with a high proportion of companies working on COVID-19 treatment, vaccines or diagnostics, it is perhaps unsurprising to see that a quarter of respondents seeing an improved pipeline.

The pandemic has delayed 66% of organizations' clinical trials

"What impact has the pandemic had on your organization’s clinical trials?"

*Excluding 'Not Applicable' (68)

Lockdowns around the world meant that patients could no longer join in-person clinical trials, leading to two thirds of respondents admitting the pandemic had delayed their trials.

Interestingly, 15% of respondents revealed that the pandemic actually sped up clinical trials they were working on. This perhaps reflects the increased adoption and innovation of decentralized, virtual and remote trials.

90% of organizations have adopted a more digital
focused strategy due to the effects of COVID-19

"COVID-19 has accelerated digital transformation timelines for many life science companies.
To what extent has your organization adopted a more digital focused strategy?"

COVID-19 has accelerated digital transformation timelines for many life science companies, with 90% of organizations adopting a more digital focused strategy.

This is particularly true for larger companies with over 500 employees, with 51% seeing significant change in digital strategy, versus 31% of small companies with 1 - 50 employees.

59% are currently working from home full time,
down from 68% in 2020

"Where are you currently working?"

Lockdowns forced a huge proportion of the workforce worldwide to stop coming into the office and start working from home more. Our 2020 study showed that 68% of respondents were working from home full time, and just 14% were at the office/lab full time.

As expected with countries slowly opening back up, the number of those working at home full time has dropped to 59%, though very few have gone back to working at the office full time, with an increase of just 3%.

56% will work from home more often in the
medium/long term following the pandemic

"In the medium/long term will the pandemic impact where you work?"

With over half of respondents still working from home full time, a similar proportion (56%) say this trend will continue in the medium/long term as they expect to work from home more often than before the pandemic.

At the top end, 77% of those working for technology providers expect to work from home more often, compared to 42% of those working for CROs/CDMOs/CMOs.