Voices from the Frontlines: Insights from the Workforce on Transforming the Clinical Research Enterprise—Past, Present, and Future

By conducting the first-ever national workforce survey focused on the evolution of the clinical research enterprise, ACRP is deepening its commitment to advocate for—and amplify the voices of—all clinical research professionals.

The Transformation of the Clinical Research Enterprise survey asked ACRP’s membership and the broader clinical research community about the changes in clinical research over the past five to 10 years, the present situation, expectations for the future, and the opportunities to invest in improvements.

More than 735 respondents identified successes, setbacks, predictions, and areas for “bending the curve.” The survey was conducted from December 2024 to February 2025.

The survey paints a generally positive picture of progress, with 90% of respondents having high confidence in understanding their responsibilities within clinical research and in their level of training being sufficient to run their trials (86%). However, only 33% say that trial operations are efficient industry-wide while 31% report budgets are sufficient to support good study operations.

It is encouraging that participants expect a high level of contributions to clinical research from stakeholders over the next five to 10 years, with greatest positive impacts forecast from technology providers (73%), individual clinical research professionals and trade groups (72%), and site networks and organizations (65%).

“What’s been missing from the discussion about the future of the clinical research enterprise is the voice of the clinical research professional, and that’s why we conducted the survey. What the workforce thinks matters, and that’s what the survey captures,” said Susan Landis, ACRP Chief Executive Officer. “I hope that you find the results surprising and uplifting and also results that can allow you to take action.”

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In an industry that drives a market estimated at more than $27 billion in the U.S. and projects substantial growth in the coming years, the perspectives of professionals who run clinical research matter.