AI and digital literacy: Why biopharma R&D teams need new skills for 2026

Biopharmaceutical R&D is entering a new phase of transformation. According to the Pharma Industry Trend Report 2026, innovation across the sector is accelerating, driven not only by scientific progress, but also by advances in technology, new commercial pressures, and rising expectations across the healthcare ecosystem.

At the centre of these changes is artificial intelligence (AI). Its use in drug discovery and development is growing rapidly, helping teams work faster, improve decision-making and handle the increasing complexity of modern research. But to use AI effectively, biopharma organisations need something that many R&D teams are still developing: digital literacy.

This blog explores why AI adoption is rising so quickly in biopharma R&D, what skills teams now require, and how wider industry trends highlight the growing role of learning and development (L&D).

AI adoption grows as R&D becomes more complex

Biopharma companies are using digital tools more frequently to cope with rising R&D demands. AI is particularly valuable because it can help teams:

• Analyse information more quickly
• Identify patterns the human eye might miss
• Reduce time spent on repetitive tasks
• Improve decision-making early in development
• Explore more potential treatment options in less time

In this way, AI supports scientists by making parts of the research process more efficient. Not replacing scientific judgement but enabling teams to work smarter.

Why digital literacy is now essential

For AI to deliver meaningful value in biopharma R&D, teams need the confidence and capability to use digital tools effectively. Digital literacy is becoming a core skill for anyone involved in research. As AI becomes more common in everyday workflows, teams must understand how digital systems work, how information is processed, and what the outputs actually mean for scientific and operational decisions.

Digital literacy also helps teams recognise the limitations of AI-generated insights. Even the most advanced tools depend on the data they receive, and their recommendations must be interpreted carefully. When teams understand how to question, validate and apply digital insights, they are far better equipped to make informed decisions. 

Perhaps most importantly, digital literacy supports better communication and collaboration. As biopharma R&D becomes more connected across departments and external partners, teams need a shared understanding of the digital tools and data they are working with. When everyone speaks the same digital language, discussions become clearer, misunderstandings are reduced, and projects move forward more smoothly.

Strengthening digital literacy ensures that AI enhances research rather than complicating it. It empowers teams to use new tools confidently, bridge knowledge gaps across functions, and unlock the full benefits of digital transformation. Without this capability, R&D teams may face challenges such as slowed innovation, compromised data integrity and increased operational costs.

Other key trends reshaping biopharma R&D

Alongside growing AI adoption, several major trends will shape biopharma through 2026. Each of these trends highlights a clear need for ongoing training, capability development and new ways of working.

Rising pressure to innovate faster

The development of new therapies is becoming more competitive. Companies are under pressure to reach patients more quickly, explore new treatment areas and respond to emerging global health needs.

To keep pace, R&D teams will need stronger skills in planning, prioritisation and cross-functional collaboration. Training in project, programme and portfolio management can help teams manage timelines more effectively and make better decisions about where to focus resources.

Growing emphasis on collaboration and partnerships

Partnerships are becoming more important across the biopharma ecosystem, with biotech firms, universities, technology providers and other research organisations all playing a larger role in innovation.

Effective partnerships require strong communication, stakeholder engagement and the ability to work with teams who may have different priorities or methods. Soft skills development, including negotiation, leadership and problem-solving, will be essential.

Increasing importance of data-driven decision-making

As digital tools expand, data plays an ever-larger role in guiding research decisions. But data is only useful when it is understood and interpreted correctly.

Teams will benefit from training that helps them use data more confidently, evaluate evidence and spot potential risks or inconsistencies. These skills also strengthen transparency and support more robust governance.

A shift towards patient-centric R&D

2026 sees a growing focus on patient experience, real-world outcomes and more personalised approaches to treatment. Understanding patient needs and expectations is becoming a key part of effective research.

This shift calls for stronger skills in empathy, communication and human-centred thinking.

Sustainability as a rising priority

Sustainability is becoming increasingly relevant in biopharma R&D. Companies are looking for ways to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and develop more environmentally responsible research practices.

Training that supports sustainability awareness, operational efficiency and responsible decision-making will help teams adapt to these expectations.

How L&D supports biopharma R&D in 2026

With AI adoption increasing and new industry trends accelerating, the role of learning and development is becoming more strategic across the biopharma sector. L&D can help organisations:

• Build digital literacy across all levels
• Equip teams with collaboration and communication skills
• Strengthen project and portfolio management capability
• Improve data confidence and analytical thinking
• Foster adaptability and openness to innovation
• Support cultural change as R&D becomes more digitally enabled

By empowering teams with the right blend of technical and behavioural skills, L&D helps organisations get the most out of AI while preparing for broader changes in the R&D environment.

Preparing biopharma teams for the future of R&D

The future of biopharma R&D will be shaped by technology, collaboration and the ability to adapt quickly. AI is set to play a major role in this transformation, but its success depends on the people who use it. Digital literacy is therefore becoming one of the most important skills across the sector, not only for scientists, but for anyone involved in the research and development lifecycle.

By investing in skills development now, biopharma organisations can build a workforce that is confident, capable and ready to innovate in an increasingly complex and fast-moving industry.

Explore some other core challenges that face wider pharmaceutical and healthcare R&D teams in our paper ‘Reshaping pharma and healthcare R&D’, download it today!