Is it the algorithm or the data that give your strategy the winning edge?

[Dr Andree Bates]

I have been speaking with pharma leaders and am seeing that pharma companies often reinvent preexisting wheels for AI algorithms as they want to be the only ones doing something as they feel that will get them the edge. However, often the solutions they create are poor man versions of existing ones. And, is it the algorithms that provide the competitive edge? I would argue no. Good algorithms can be available to anyone these days. This is evidenced by the plethora of VC backed tools that have outstanding algorithms. In my view, the winning formula is the strategy (and focusing on the right business questions) and using the right data. Data will become more and more the differentiator as if you can lock up proprietary data in your therapy area (think Roche and FlatIron Health), you have access to data your competitors will not – and they will not be able to replicate your insights, no matter what tool or algorithm they use.

[Author]

Posts