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      • 120 Life sciences CEOS
      • 11 countries and territories
      • US$500M+ in revenue

      The life sciences sector is made up of a diverse ecosystem of companies and segments. They range from massive global pharma companies and regional lab powerhouses to small startup device manufacturers and innovative biotech research labs. No two life sciences companies face the same challenges or opportunities. And there is no ‘typical’ life sciences CEO.

      The 2024 KPMG Life Sciences CEO Outlook, a survey of 120 life sciences CEOs from around the world suggests there are common themes and strategies at play. As life sciences organizations across the spectrum focus on driving innovation, many are struggling to accelerate digitalization and the adoption of AI. They recognize the importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) on public trust and growth but aren’t sure they can meet their net zero objectives. Talent gaps and capability shortages emerge as continuous themes throughout.

      Life Sciences companies both in Belgium and globally are entering a new era of innovation, driven by continued scientific advancements and technological disruption. As highlighted in this survey, this leads to opportunities for growth and puts AI high on the agenda. Transforming these organizations in a sustainable way, with the required talent to successfully bring these innovations to the patient, will demand an agile approach.

      Koen Van Ende

      Partner, Head of Life Sciences

      KPMG in Belgium

      Koen Van Ende
      Koen Van Ende

      Head of Life Sciences, Partner, Corporate Tax | Tax, Legal & Accountancy

      KPMG in Belgium

      KPMG 2024 Life Sciences CEO Outlook

      KPMG. Make the Difference.

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      Key findings from the research

      • 79% of life sciences CEOs are confident in their company’s growth prospects
      • 60% say that generative AI is their top investment priority
      • Only 43% think they can meet their organization’s net zero goals by 2030
      • Replacing retiring employees with skilled new ones was cited as the #1 workforce challenge

      Methodology

      The 10th edition of the KPMG CEO Outlook surveyed 1,325 CEOs between 25 July and 29 August 2024, and provides unique insight into the mindset, strategies and planning tactics of CEOs. All respondents had annual revenues over US$500M and a third of the total companies surveyed had more than US$10B in annual revenue. The survey included CEOs from 11 key markets (Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, UK and US) and 11 industry sectors (asset management, automotive, banking, consumer and retail, energy, infrastructure, insurance, life sciences, manufacturing, technology, and telecommunications). NOTE: Some figures may not add up to 100 percent due to rounding. This report draws on the views of 120 life sciences leaders. In the life sciences research, the two largest sub-sectors were pharmaceuticals (representing 45 percent of respondents) and biotechnology (representing 19 percent). The best-represented countries based on organizational headquarters were the US, Japan, India, China and Germany.

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