Irish biopharma at an inflection point
Irish biopharma at an inflection point
At Sia, we help clients evaluate, assess and navigate changing market dynamics.
In our 25+ years of experience helping executives lead plan and execute strategy, we have found that change is inevitable. Leaders and organizations who lean into it with optimism and a can-do attitude are the ones who achieve the most success.
Our recent white paper entitled ‘Irish biopharma at an inflection point’ outlines how Ireland’s biopharmaceutical industry, the 3rd largest exporter of pharmaceuticals stands at an inflection point. Amid rapid global evolution, marked by emerging technologies, shifting regulatory landscapes, and intensifying geopolitical and economic pressures.
Emerging technologies are fundamentally reshaping the industry. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are now enabling the rapid design of novel drug molecules, significantly shortening discovery timelines and enhancing the precision of personalized medicine. Amid these advancements, several challenges are emerging. Global economic headwinds—rising interest rates, inflation, and the looming “patent cliff” on several blockbuster drugs—have heightened investment uncertainty. Ireland’s heavy reliance on exports to key markets, particularly the U.S., also exposes it to geopolitical risks such potential protectionist policies such as ‘Trump Tariffs’.
To safeguard its future, the white paper recommends a multi-pronged strategic approach. Key actions include boosting indigenous innovation by increasing R&D investments. Developing and attracting specialized talent through enhanced training and reskilling programs is equally critical. Additionally, Ireland must enhance its overall value proposition—beyond traditional tax advantages—by streamlining regulatory processes, investing in infrastructure, and fostering robust public-private partnerships.
In summary, while Ireland’s biopharma sector has excelled as a manufacturing leader, the evolving global landscape demands a strategic pivot toward innovation, talent development, and resilience. By embracing emerging technologies and addressing key challenges, Ireland can transform its inflection point into a launchpad for the next era of global leadership in biopharma.
At Sia we have worked with industry to factor AI solutions into their drug development and clinical trial processes, implemented technology investment to drive efficiency and supported collaboration between industry, government and associations to create innovation clusters to foster a fertile ecosystem for breakthrough research and sustainable growth.
Learn more about the key trends, insights, and actionable strategies for Irish pharma to navigate emerging threats and continue to build a sustainable biopharma sector.
