Let’s talk about scaling GenAI in life sciences

When discussing generative AI with executives at life sciences enterprises over the past year, it’s clear most of the industry’s leaders are excited about the potential for the technology to transform their business – but it’s equally apparent they have encountered significant challenges. To address this, Capgemini hosted a day-long conference in New York City for some of its clients in the sector, dedicated to addressing the issues related to using GenAI to drive value at scale. Several common threads emerged from the conference – providing delegates with useful insights about the way forward.

A highlight of the event was an end-of-day panel discussion about adopting generative AI at scale in life sciences, during which Capgemini experts and industry leaders shared successful strategies based on their own experiences with the technology. The panel included Sheetal Chawla, Executive Vice President Life Sciences, Capgemini; Michelle Pesanello, Vice President Life Sciences, Capgemini Invent; Scott Barnes, Vice President, Capgemini Insights & Data; and Brian Eden, Vice President, Global Life Sciences Tech Ops, Capgemini. It was moderated by Chris Scheefer, Vice President, Intelligent Industry, Capgemini.

Executive and business user buy-in

The first takeaway was that most enterprises in the sector are actively exploring generative AI. They’re identifying use cases and launching proof of concept trials. What’s more, those designing trials generally understand the importance of starting with simple use cases that will deliver results quickly and without demanding a huge commitment in resources.

We think this is a great approach, because quick wins can demonstrate the value of the technology. This seems to be working, as these tests have mostly been positive.

Second, the ability to leverage GenAI is often greatest if a champion on the executive team is driving the effort. Interestingly, many conference attendees attribute C-suite buy-in to someone on the executive having been exposed to public GenAI tools such as ChatGPT. They’ve used it, or seen their kids using it, and they understand the potential.

We think this commitment from the top is vital: GenAI’s benefits are significant and will transform the entire organization, even as its deployment and use must be carefully overseen to eliminate any potential risks. So, it’s critical the executive committee and board are actively involved.

Third, many organizations are thinking beyond the technology itself, and approaching generative AI holistically. During the panel discussion, one delegate noted their company conducts AI innovation workshops to identify promising use cases. Another explained how their IT team identifies partners on the business side of the enterprise who are excited about generative AI, then brings these people into proof of concept tests at an early stage. These enthusiasts become ambassadors who can help bridge the gap between IT and business users, identify use cases, and educate those on the business side once a proof of concept is ready for scaling.

These are also great strategies. Based on Capgemini’s engagements with clients, it’s become evident that a successful GenAI strategy must include people from across the organization. That’s why, early in the process, we help our clients establish a cross-functional team responsible for GenAI that includes both technology and business representatives from a range of departments.

Scaling challenges: data preparedness, education, managing expectations

Panelists and audience members also shared some common challenges and concerns. Scaling up from proof of concept is a major issue for many. One challenge Capgemini often encounters when clients are trying to scale is the need to ensure GenAI can effectively access and leverage all the enterprise’s data. Over the past decade, businesses have done a good job of organizing, validating, and applying governance rules to data so it can be used for analytics – but the data involved has been structured. GenAI requires this data to function, but also needs access to the organization’s unstructured data – such as images and video – and the same discipline must be applied to this material as well.

As an attendee pointed out, it’s important that IT work with its technology vendors to address GenAI security within security solutions. At Capgemini, we expand that to include applying security and governance to what we call knowledge forums: the legal, operational, engineering, and other corporate wisdom that forms the intellectual property of the company. These are the sources of an enterprise’s competitive advantages and they must be protected when, for example, training the large language models that enable GenAI.

It’s also essential to share IT’s vision for GenAI with business users – not only to educate them about how it will be used, but also to manage expectations and address concerns about the technology’s potential impact on jobs. It’s understandable that employees may hear about GenAI’s ability to create efficiencies and reduce costs, and worry this translates to staff reductions. But we believe the technology’s real strength lies in its ability to unlock the value between the silos within an organization. GenAI can connect disciplines across the enterprise, enabling people to do more. While companies should consider efficiencies, the primary driver for embracing GenAI should be growth.

Open dialogs across the enterprise and partners

As noted, it’s important to establish the right links, early in the process, between business users and technology professionals. What’s more, expanding that dialog to include strategic partners makes the discussion even more valuable as companies seek to scale GenAI across the enterprise – as our day-long conference demonstrated.

The New York event was Capgemini’s second conference of 2024 devoted to GenAI and life sciences, following a similar event in Boston in March. We’re already planning our next conference, to be held in December in San Francisco. If you wish to know more about these events, I am happy to discuss them with you.