Promised land

Blended solutions gain momentum and reveal untapped potential

As global pressures reshape the pharmaceutical and biotech landscape, sponsors are re-evaluating their outsourcing strategies.

ICON’s recent survey of industry stakeholders highlights a clear trend toward fit-for-purpose solutions.

Blended outsourcing models are gaining traction as sponsors look to balance cost efficiency, quality and agility in a rapidly evolving environment. Increased emphasis on agility and scalability reflects a tactical shift to support wider business objectives and improve potential returns on investment.

Blended outsourcing that combines full-service outsourcing (FSO) and functional service provision (FSP) within a custom interoperable model is already in use by 40% of our survey respondents. Looking ahead, 72% expect to adopt a more flexible outsourcing approach within five years.

These findings signal a significant shift towards adaptable, data-driven models that can scale and evolve with organisational and market demands.

When asked about the primary drivers of outsourcing strategy, respondents pointed to cost efficiency (70%), service quality (56%), flexibility and scalability (55%), and regulatory alignment (54%).

A well-designed blended model with the right organisational infrastructure supports each of these priorities, enabling sponsors to tailor their engagement to project needs while maintaining control over critical assets and operational oversight.

Survey participants using blended solutions report measurable benefits across key performance areas:

• 63% saw reduced trial timelines
• 56% report improved patient recruitment and retention
• 56% cite greater operational efficiency
• 49% note better alignment with emerging market requirements.

While clinical operations remain the top functional area for blended models (54%), respondents also see strong applicability in data management (51%), pharmacovigilance (50%), biostatistics (46%) and regulatory affairs (38%). As these functions become increasingly data- and technology-dependent, the ability to configure outsourcing in line with digital infrastructure and business goals becomes essential.

Innovation remains a central theme. Sponsors see particular promise in technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning for trial optimisation, real-world evidence integration and digital engagement platforms.

These tools, when embedded in a blended outsourcing model, can drive further improvements in speed, quality and participant engagement.

Effective governance is fundamental to making blended models work. Sponsors identify defined performance metrics, decision-making frameworks for scaling and clear escalation paths as critical components.

However, automated governance tools and data-driven decision-making platforms remain underutilised – representing an untapped area for innovation and efficiency.

With only 4% of respondents stating they are unlikely to shift to a more flexible outsourcing model, the industry’s trajectory is clear. The move toward blended outsourcing is not a temporary trend but a necessary evolution.

Sponsors need capable partners to capitalise on opportunities and overcome challenges in implementing mixed and blended models.

CROs with the consultative expertise, digital ecosystem and operational infrastructure can deliver scalable, effective transformation. CROs that combine operational excellence with flexible, bespoke solutions will play a key role in shaping the future of clinical development.

Search ‘ICON blended solutions survey’ and discover how ICON can custom-fit a strategy to meet your needs.