A new strategy from Ibec industry body BioPharmaChem Ireland is aimed at driving innovation and growth in Ireland’s biopharma business services sector.
“Over 9,500 professionals work in Ireland’s biopharma business services (BBS) sector, which has grown rapidly from managing corporate finance and HR to leading activities such as clinical trials, regulatory compliance, pharmacovigilance and supply chain logistics,” says Sinead Keogh, director of BioPharmaChem Ireland and Ibec head of sectors. “This segment is expected to expand at a 10 per cent compound annual growth rate by 2027, underlining its strategic importance.”
The sector is experiencing rapid change, she adds. “Companies are prioritising resilience and risk management and strengthening supply chains against global disruptions. They are also adopting a customer-centric approach, using data and digital tools to better serve patients and healthcare providers. Technologies like AI, blockchain and quantum computing are transforming operations, making processes faster, more flexible and more cost-efficient.”
Artificial intelligence (AI) may provide a boost for the Irish sector, according to Keogh. She says: “While routine tasks have often been moved to lower-cost locations, AI is changing this narrative, as it can significantly increase productivity and generate greater value. Embracing new technologies can enhance a range of services, including drug discovery, improve the effectiveness of clinical trials, expand pharmacovigilance, strengthen supply chains and support simultaneous global commercialisation as well.
“As BBS functions mature, they are shifting from primarily cost-cutting roles to becoming engines of innovation, supporting personalised therapies and pioneering healthcare solutions. Investing in AI now will help Ireland remain competitive in the long term.”
In response to these trends, BioPharmaChem Ireland has launched the BioPharma Business Services Strategy 2025. Based on four interconnected pillars, the strategy aims to ensure sustainable growth while also raising awareness among biopharma manufacturing companies about the opportunity to expand into services. Additionally, it aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem that drives innovation and growth across the industry.
The first pillar focuses on enhancing the value chain. “Ireland is well-positioned to become a key orchestrator within the global biopharma supply chain,” says Keogh. “By integrating AI-driven processes and expanding regional collaboration, the country can move up the value chain across development, manufacturing and commercial services.
“This strategic shift will attract higher-value investments, promote innovation and strengthen Ireland’s reputation as a reliable, world class hub capable of responding swiftly to market shifts and regulatory changes. The country’s deep-rooted expertise in managing complex processes and its reputation for high standards underpin this aspiration.”
The second emphasises talent and knowledge development. “Establishing centres of excellence in digital skills and regulatory expertise will be vital,” Keogh points out. “Strengthening partnerships between academia, industry and government will ensure a continuous pipeline of highly skilled professionals to meet evolving industry demands. Upskilling programmes and streamlined visa processes will help attract the international talent needed to sustain long-term growth, particularly in global services.”
Globally, companies are shifting from traditional shared services to strategic hubs that leverage local strengths in talent, regulation and infrastructure
— Sinead Keogh
The next pillar involves strategic investments in infrastructure. “Expanding high-speed broadband and secure data networks will support fully virtualised, agile service delivery worldwide,” she says. “Creating an AI regulatory sandbox, in partnership with regulators, will enable rapid innovation within a compliant framework. Developing world-class research hubs equipped with next-generation data hubs will accelerate breakthroughs in personalised medicine and digital therapeutics.”
Ecosystem orchestration and advocacy form the final pillar. “Ireland needs to strengthen its global profile through strategic marketing, policy alignment and international collaborations. Developing a network of specialised, integrated centres will optimise operations, foster innovation and increase resilience, especially as companies consider regionalisation to mitigate geopolitical risks.”
She believes Ireland has clear strengths as a home for this sector. “Our high standards of digital regulation, aligned with EU policies like GDPR and the AI Act, foster trust and ethical innovation,” she explains.
Talent is key. “A multilingual workforce complemented by vibrant tech, finance and professional services sectors, which are supporting the development of a rich pool of talent across finance, IT, HR, IP management and other enabling services, as well as the more biopharma-specific skills, supports the continuing expansion of the sector.”
To fully capitalise on these strengths, the Ibec strategy recommends the formal integration of BioPharma Business Services into the Government’s upcoming National Life Sciences Strategy. “Recognising its strategic importance alongside manufacturing will ensure ongoing support, investment, and growth,” says Keogh.
Understanding the importance of network strategies is also vital, she explains. “Globally, companies are shifting from traditional shared services to strategic hubs that leverage local strengths in talent, regulation and infrastructure. Ireland, with its mature biopharma ecosystem and skilled workforce, is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation.”
BioPharmaChem Ireland has established a dedicated BioPharma Business Steering Committee to oversee the implementation of the strategy and ensure its ongoing evolution and success. “Implementing this strategy will promote the growth of this vital sector, help Ireland to diversify its biopharma industry and position the country as a strategic hub for biopharma services for years to come,” she concludes.
