A novel survey conducted by Elsevier, a global information analytics company, has determined that there are still some concerns within the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector regarding the adoption of AI.
The ‘2024 Elsevier Attitudes on AI Report’ explores how corporate researchers feel about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI, as well as if they engage with the technology on a day-to-day basis.
A generally positive outlook on AI revealed
The survey, which reviewed responses from 300 researchers within the pharmaceutical, life sciences and chemical sectors, found that 38% of respondents already use AI for work purposes, and 76% will utilise AI in their workflows within the next five years.
Although there were some doubts in the survey population in the adoption of AI, corporate researchers are generally positive about the technology’s adoption.
96% think AI will accelerate knowledge discovery and 71% believe it will have a transformative impact on their respective industries.
Most respondents also believe AI will result in cost savings for businesses (93%), enhance the quality of work produced (87%) and allow staff to focus on higher value projects (85%).
Current concerns with AI technology
Corporate researchers have a range of concerns surrounding the implementation of AI, including:
- The potential spread of misinformation through AI (96%)
- The idea that AI could cause critical errors (84%)
- Reducing the ability of employees to critically think (86%).
Mirit Eldor, the Managing Director of the Life Sciences Division at Elsevier, commented: “Researchers in fields from pharmaceuticals to biotechnology to chemicals are clearly telling us they have an appetite for AI to aid their work, but that ethics, transparency and accuracy remain paramount."
“We know from conversations with our customers that trust in data quality and provenance is critical to how they view AI’s ability to augment their R&D approach. This report has highlighted the steps that must be taken to embed confidence in the AI tools of today and tomorrow.”