Unlocking The Power Of Data In Life Sciences
Rajnish Nath, President of Manufacturing, Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, and Life Sciences at Capgemini Americas.
The future of healthcare is here—and it’s digital. From accelerating research to improving patient care, the integration of AI, data analytics and cutting-edge technologies is driving the industry into a new era where disruption is the norm.
However, while digital transformation has the potential to unlock unprecedented value, it’s not simply a matter of upgrading technology. It requires a fundamental shift in mindset, with a strong focus on establishing a solid data foundation to drive meaningful progress in a world that is increasingly driven by automation, prediction, and personalization.
Data is the cornerstone of today’s digital landscape, as it fuels these AI-enabled technologies to learn, adapt and deliver reliable results. As AI becomes more sophisticated, its effectiveness depends entirely on the quality and integrity of the data it’s built on. Without strong data, even the most well-designed strategies and initiatives are built on unstable ground.
Throughout my 28-year tenure with Capgemini, I’ve served clients across all sectors and functions. A solid foundation of good data is particularly relevant in the life sciences industry, where advanced technology is bringing us into a new era of R&D and patient care. Our ability to understand how we leverage the power of data has never been more critical to achieving life-changing impact.
Good Data, Better Decisions
The life sciences industry generates vast amounts of data, but collecting it alone isn’t enough. The real value lies in transforming raw data into actionable insights that drive improvements across the entire value chain—from enhancing patient outcomes to streamlining business operations. Yet, only 37% of life sciences organizations have standardized frameworks and tools in place to effectively collect, analyze and manage the full spectrum of data, including patient records, real-world outcomes and clinical trial results.
As the role of data in driving innovation becomes more apparent, many organizations are turning to strategic partnerships to streamline data management and deliver measurable business results. This shift comes at a time when the global life sciences analytics market is projected to nearly double—from $13.78 billion in 2025 to $27.75 billion in 2032—reflecting the growing demand for data-driven solutions. And while life sciences leads the charge, the value of quality data management is gaining importance across all industries, becoming the basis of digital transformation and a key factor in maintaining competitive advantage.
Partnerships that bring together functional innovation and precise data integration have the power to be truly transformative. This combination lays the groundwork for scalable, future-ready solutions designed to meet the evolving demands of a digital-first world.
After all, it’s a saying we know well: Not all data is good data. In an age where information is everywhere, success depends not just on access but on the quality, accuracy and usability of the data at hand.
Advanced Technologies In Software-Driven Solutions
At this stage of mainstream digital transformation, quality data and advanced technologies like AI, machine learning and robotics are deeply interconnected—you simply can’t have one without the other. The push to integrate advanced technologies, particularly within software-driven solutions, is motivated by the need to improve R&D efficiency, enhance market intelligence, streamline operations and deliver more personalized, effective patient care.
Despite the momentum, and with the global AI market in life sciences projected to reach $14.20 billion by 2034, many organizations still face considerable hurdles. Challenges related to strategy, governance, funding, talent, technology integration, data management and regulatory compliance often slow or complicate progress. In particular, the growing reliance on big data in drug discovery, development and clinical trials is forcing companies to reevaluate their capabilities.
Because of these challenges and the growing importance of data management and advanced technologies, here are several best practices that organizations can implement to successfully navigate this evolving landscape.
• Data-First Approach: Start AI initiatives by focusing on data quality and readiness to prevent cost overruns and delays and ensure AI readiness. Prioritizing data aligns transformation with business goals.
• Leverage Expertise: Utilize proven expertise and methodologies to handle complex data challenges. This includes employing a repeatable data migration approach that minimizes the risk of unsuccessful implementations and ensures high-quality data that aligns with business goals.
• Service Excellence: Engage in long-term guidance and services that extend beyond a project’s onset. This includes consulting expertise, oversight, on-demand support and deep technical expertise to drive real business value continuously.
• Data Competency: Build the practice around the solutions to ensure the data initiatives are aligned with business goals, deliver measurable ROI and meet key performance indicators.
• Customer-Centric Focus: Prioritize the client’s end-customer success by delivering exceptional value and aligning data outcomes with business outcomes. This approach minimizes risks and drives higher-value outcomes.
Preparing For Technological Change
In today’s increasingly digital landscape, validated processes are no longer optional—they’re essential in a highly regulated environment where certified systems ensure compliance and data integrity.
Regulations such as medical device reporting (MDR) in the EU and unique device identification (UDI) in the U.S. have intensified the demand for accurate data collection and reporting, particularly as they relate to patient safety. At the same time, technological advancements are pushing organizations to continuously evolve their data models and adopt new systems to stay competitive. True effectiveness now lies in bridging regulatory compliance with business acumen, empowering organizations to make informed, scalable decisions backed by reliable data.
Looking ahead, data management practices must become more intentional. Where companies once stored every piece of data indefinitely, there’s now a clear need to purge outdated or irrelevant information. Retaining only business-critical data helps minimize risk, enhance accuracy and build cleaner, more actionable datasets.
As digital transformation continues to reshape the life sciences industry, the ability to leverage quality data alongside advanced technologies will be the key to success. Organizations that build solid data foundations and integrate AI and machine learning effectively can drive faster innovation and better patient outcomes. With the right strategic approach, the future of healthcare is one where data is the driving force behind breakthrough treatments and operational excellence.
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