Almost uniquely, the life science sector has emerged from the pandemic stronger than before.
Increased collaboration, new ways of working and novel technologies all accelerated progress to create a seismic shift in the industry which continues today.
But the disruption caused by the crisis also emphasized the complexity and potential vulnerability of the industry’s globalized supply chains, which could threaten progress in the coming years.
In our 2022 Global Life Science Survey, supply chain disruption emerged among the greatest risks to business success and biggest threat to achieving strategic objectives.
To find out how the industry is navigating this changing landscape, we surveyed 100 risk and supply chain leaders across the life science sector.
How do they see the supply chain landscape? How are they building resilience? What are the main challenges and risks they face? And what will the supply chains of the future look like?
Our survey suggests life science businesses are worried about a range of supply chain risks, reflecting the length of production cycles, complexity of supplier ecosystems and increasing quality and safety requirements.
Wider external factors such as the economy, cyber security and supply chain sustainability are also top concerns.
83% of businesses said they have made at least some improvements in their approach to supply chain management in response to the pandemic.
59% said developing a detailed understanding of their supplier networks was among the factors that would have the greatest impact on managing their risks.
74% cited a lack of insurance options to address their supply chain risks in the next 3 to 5 years.
64% agreed or strongly agreed that a lack of alternative suppliers impeded their ability to implement an effective dual or multi-source strategy.
In rising to the challenges of the pandemic, life science has advanced in many ways over the last few tears. But the industry’s supply chain challenges remain, from raw material shortages to a lack of labour impacting manufacturing and transportation.
Our survey shows that businesses are working with their key suppliers to overcome problems and considering a wide range of strategies to increase resilience.
However, they’re often hampered by an inability to get hold of detailed accurate data or achieve full visibility through the chain.
Firms are also facing increasing external risk factors, from extreme weather to geopolitical tensions, which can threaten production of key components and ingredients.
Working more closely with suppliers as partners can help companies understand their supply chains better and address these risks.
Diagnostic mapping and monitoring tools and analytics can help to visualize, quantify and assess risks across the chain and in specific locations.
WTW has an experienced team of experts with the tools and competencies to help clients understand their supply chain vulnerabilities and align their production with financial risk.
We can also help you manage and transfer risks for both property-related and pure economic losses, helping you build greater reliance against future shocks.
To learn more, download your free survey report by completing the short form at the top of this page.
1 Resilinc, Life Science Industry Special Report November 2022
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