Clinical Technologies: Expert Insights and Predictions for 2025
By Duncan McDonald and Douglas Bain
As the clinical research industry continues its digital transformation, Clinical Technology (ClinTech) software is at the forefront of innovation, shaping how trials are designed, managed, and executed. With emerging technologies like generative AI and hybrid decentralised trial models (DCT) becoming more prominent, the landscape of digital solutions in 2025 is poised for significant evolution.
We reached out to key opinion leaders in the industry to share their predictions for 2025. Their insights, coupled with current trends and data, help us theorise where we are headed.
Current Landscape in ClinTech
Over the past few years, ClinTech solutions have rapidly evolved, driven by the need for:
Increased efficiency: Reducing burdensome manual data processing.
Improved patient-centricity: Enhancing accessibility to studies through decentralised trials and digital tools.
Enhanced data management: Leveraging AI and real-time data analytics for actionable insights.
Increased integration: Connected platform solutions able to share data on a near-real-time basis for greater performance and operational transparency.
The ClinTech solutions market exemplifies this evolution, with substantial growth projections:
The eClinical global market is expected to grow from USD 11.6 billion in 2024 to USD 22.1 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7% (MarketsandMarkets, 2024)¹.
A study by GlobalData reported that approximately 1,300 drug clinical trials with virtual and/or decentralised components were expected to commence in 2022. This represents a 28% increase from 2021, which had 1,011 such trials, and a 93% increase from 2020, which had 673 trials (Parkins, K., & Hillman, A., 2021, December 14)².
Adoption of Digital Tools: The use of digital data collection methods in DCTs saw a 54% increase in 2021 compared to 2020. Although there was a 16% decrease in 2022 relative to 2021, projections indicate a 13% recovery in 2023, suggesting a continued upward trajectory in the integration of digital technologies within clinical trials – (Fultinavičiūtė, U., & Maragkou, I.,2023, February 6)³.
AI adoption in Clinical Trials is surging, with 81% of organisations utilising AI in at least one drug development area (Norstella), and the AI-driven clinical trials market projected to expand from USD 2.04 billion in 2024 to USD 20.16 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 28% (Chmielewska, I., & Caruso, S., 2024, October 31)⁴.
Decentralised and hybrid clinical trials are growing rapidly, with the market valued at USD 9.23 billion in 2024 and anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% through 2034 (Visiongain Reports Ltd., 2024, June 6)⁵.
This trajectory underscores the industry’s commitment to embedding innovative technologies as core solutions.
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Predictions from Industry Experts
Here are the predictions from top thought leaders who see 2025 as a pivotal year for ClinTech solutions:
Doug Bain Chief Technology Officer, KCR:
Platform / Integrations and AI for 2025
Clinical data platforms (EDC, eCOA, Lab, Digital Instruments) will increasingly support hybrid DCTs alongside clinical operations platforms (CTMS, eTMF, Regulatory) with single sign-on and interoperability. CDISC USDM and ICH M11 standards will enhance consistency from protocol to data integration and delivery.
AI solutions will evolve, starting with generative AI improving existing systems and data, followed by purpose-built AI solutions transforming study implementation, data cleaning, statistical analysis, and submissions. These innovations will streamline processes, reduce manual interventions, and make AI-driven risk-based quality management the gold standard for clinical trial execution.
Joe Dustin eClinical Tech Executive; Strategy Leader & Advisor in AI, Clinical Operations & Decentralized Trials:
2025: The Rise of Agentic AI in Clinical Research
Agentic AI is set to transform clinical trials by automating complex workflows and streamlining operations. These agents will initially focus on site-level tasks like faster, more accurate EHR reviews and handling live participant pre-screening calls in multiple languages and accents. They’ll also improve data flow efficiency, starting with EHR-to-EDC connections and evolving into direct site-to-sponsor data integration. By reducing workloads, enhancing accuracy, and accelerating timelines, Agentic AI will become an invaluable partner to clinical research teams.
Vivienne van de Walle Leading Expert and passionate Clinical Research Physician, Keynote Speaker and Thought Leader:
2025: Simplifying the Complexity of Clinical Trials
In 2025, the most impactful eClinical solutions will be those that bring simplicity to the complexity of clinical trial systems. The industry will shift towards purpose-built innovations that prioritise the real-world needs of research sites and participants, ensuring seamless integration and ease of use.
Maya Zlatanova CEO of TrialHub:
One Step Closer to Predictive Insights.
I’ve seen how AI and real-world data are transforming clinical trials, in effort to make trials smarter and more connected to real lives. In 2025, I believe we’ll go even further in predictive analytics—transforming qualitative data (Standard of Care, electronic health record, social determinants of health etc.) into actionable insights. This is how we’ll create trials that are not only successful but truly patient-friendly.
Dr. Daniel Fox, MPH, PhD Entrepreneur, Founder, Board Member, Subject Matter Expert, and Thought Leader @ Dr. Fox Ventures:
Increased Demand for Healthcare Integration and Streamlined Systems.
With the official 2024 DCT guidance on the books and a draft randomized clinical trials in healthcare on the way, there will be an increased prevalence of healthcare integration and healthcare stakeholders driving how the research industry creates its eSolutions for streamlined experiences and increased patient access.
Angie Schwab, MS, PMP Founder & CEO of EZ Research Solutions, Inc
Solutions: AI-Enabled Regulatory Medical Writing & Protocol Digitization:
2025 marks a pivotal year for the accelerated adoption of USDM (Unified Study Data Model) standards, enabling seamless digital data flow across systems and paving the way for innovative, AI-based technologies to thrive. The dramatic rise in connected solutions will eliminate manual processes, significantly shorten timelines, and enhance consistency and compliance across clinical research.
Ross Jackson (Literally) The Man who Wrote the Book(s) on Patient Recruitment:
AI-Powered Handholding Throughout the Trial Participation Process
A more widespread adoption of existing AI-powered bot-style tools (with both text and voice outputs) to help participants throughout the trial process. These tools will interact with potential participants in an engaging and encouraging manner to aid recruitment, as well as being the first point of contact for any queries enrolled patients may have – thus helping retain them in the trial.
Mike Hutton Ph.D. Director – Strategic Partnerships and Commercialisation, Almac Clinical Technologies:
AI will make Significant Contributions to Trial Efficiencies
We will start to see AI making significant contributions to trial efficiencies, releasing the human element from the tedium, particularly in data management, to focus on the critical strategic and creative decisions; and this will truly drive the innovation in the industry.
Kees Van Ooik Vice President eClinical Almac Clinical Technologies and Founder of Your Research:
(Study) Sponsors will embrace Interconnected Portfolios of Solutions
In 2025, I predict a transformative shift in clinical trials, where sponsors will embrace interconnected portfolios of solutions that go beyond just software. The focus will be on combining exceptional services with seamless integration, enabling unparalleled visibility, insight, and efficiency. This evolution will optimise process automation and navigation, breaking free from outdated stand-alone systems and vendor lock-ins, and paving the way for a smarter, more connected future in clinical research.
Duncan McDonald Consulting Marketing Manager, Almac Clinical Technologies:
Early AI integration to Unified eClinical Workflows
Early adoption of AI will focus on trialling regulatory-compliant solutions, allowing organisations to evaluate whether the benefits justify the effort of implementation. Meanwhile, mid-stage adopters will embrace proven technologies with demonstrated value, and late adopters will begin integrating eClinical systems into their processes. Those already using ClinTech solutions will seek next-generation platforms that unify multiple workflows, reducing user fatigue and enhancing operational efficiency.
Based on these predictions and existing trends, it seems likely that the ClinTech solutions space will converge around three key pillars in 2025:
1. Seamless integration of technologies: Unified platforms combining CTMS, EDC, eCOA, eConsent, and IRT.
2. Patient-first designs: Enhanced user experiences for diverse patient populations.
3. Proactive data utilisation: AI and machine learning for predictive modelling and decision-making.
The future of ClinTech solutions is bright, with innovation driving efficiency, inclusivity, and effectiveness in clinical trials. As 2025 evolves, these expert predictions, grounded in current data, suggest a rapidly maturing ecosystem that will redefine how we conduct research.
By embedding advanced technologies like AI and decentralised models, the clinical research industry is not only evolving but also setting a new standard for patient-centricity and operational excellence. The journey ahead promises an era of unprecedented innovation in clinical trials.
References
1. MarketsandMarkets. (2024). eClinical solutions market – Global forecast to 2029. MarketsandMarkets Research Report. Retrieved from https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/eclinical-solutions.asp
2. Parkins, K., & Hillman, A. (2021, December 14). 2022 forecast: Decentralised trials to reach new heights with 28% jump. Clinical Trials Arena. Retrieved from https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/features/2022-forecast-decentralised-trials-to-reach-new-heights-with-28-jump/
3. Fultinavičiūtė, U., & Maragkou, I. (2023, February 6). DCT tracker update: Decentralised clinical trials to reach new peak. Clinical Trials Arena. Retrieved from https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/dct-adoption-tracker-2023/
4. Chmielewska, I., & Caruso, S. (2024, October 31). Assessing current AI trends in drug development: Adoption and transformation (part 1). Norstella. https://www.norstella.com/assessing-current-ai-trends-drug-development-part-1/
5. Visiongain Reports Ltd. (2024, June 6). Decentralised clinical trials market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% by 2034. GlobeNewswire. Retrieved from https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/06/06/2894920/0/en/Decentralised-Clinical-Trials-market-is-estimated-to-grow-at-a-CAGR-of-7-6-by-2034-Visiongain.html
