GEP is the global leader in unified procurement and supply chain solutions

In September 2016, the CRO-pharma world witnessed a deal touted as “transformative” and “unprecedented” in nature. It’s expected to serve as a template for future partnerships in this industry, where sponsors are usually skeptical about the commitment of the CRO. Takeda and PRA Health entered an agreement which will make PRA Health the primary strategic partner for Takeda. Under this deal, apart from managing an entire pipeline of studies across Phase I-IV, PRA will provide its expertise in pharmacovigilance, and operational services and regulatory services for development and marketed products of Takeda. PRA will also manage operations of Takeda’s facilities in the US and Europe. Almost 300 Takeda employees have the option to transition to PRA in US and Europe. Recently, the partnership extended to Japan, where both companies will establish a joint venture called the “Takeda-PRA Development Center,” each holding 50% of the share. This will involve transferring an additional 140 Takeda employees.

Blockchains are encrypted public ledgers and the underlying technology behind Bitcoin transactions. The impact of blockchains on legal services is twofold. On one hand, blockchain technology is likely to revolutionize the legal industry by changing the landscape for contract attorneys. It will not only keep records and transcripts immutable, but is also anticipated to bring a structured approach to the whole process. On the other hand, usage of blockchains across industries is driving the need for new regulatory boundaries and serves as a potential driver to a new service line emerging within the legal industry. Services like intellectual property are anticipated to get the most leverage out of this technology, as applicants can submit their trademark-related details through blockchain systems and, based on specific algorithms, the system can grant or dismiss it. An impermeable audit trail is a key trait that will encourage the use of this technology in legal services, with some firms, like Steptoe & Johnson and Hogan Lovells, already showing interest to try out the concept.

The legal services industry is on the brink of abrupt technological disruptions with the introduction of enhanced technologies making its services cheaper, efficient and accessible. Currently, the legal services market is a fragmented one, with the top 100 law firms having nearly 20% of global market share. To keep themselves ahead, firms are embracing more progressive technological services like virtual law firms, digital platforms such as e-discovery, e-signature, contract life cycle management tools, blockchains and artificial intelligence. These emerging technologies are set to enable law firms to serve clients swiftly and with lower costs, thereby generating more credibility for their work.

According to a survey by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), nearly one-third of all major brands have established an in-house marketing agency. Brands like American Express, Gap, Wells Fargo, Target, Intel and Pepsi, just to name a few, all have in-house ad agencies. Key factors such as a need for a quicker response to market situations and a need for increased and direct involvement in customer relations are causing brands to move their advertising in-house. While some brands have improved their marketing efficiency through an in-house ad agency, most have struggled with producing effective brand campaigns.