INTRODUCTION

Innovation in the biopharmaceutical and medical industries significantly contributes to enhanced quality of life, increasing life expectancy and economic growth in economies. Furthermore, these industries offer the potential for value creation and employment generation. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is impacting various industries, including the biopharmaceutical and medical sectors. Health innovation is currently evolving around big data, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence, resulting in enormous power shifts within and away from the health sector. This phenomena will also drive future health-related innovation in non-technological domains, such as restructuring of business models and new procedures, as well as market trends. 

In light of the this, UNIDO designed this course in cooperation with AIZON to assist participants in exploring the application of 4IR technologies in the biopharma and medical industries, identifying potential barriers and solutions to the adoption process, and providing a deeper understanding of the industries' business models and market trends within the context of 4IR, so as to contribute to the achievement of inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To reach this goal, the training modules comprise an introduction to 4IR technologies, the use and potential of 4IR technologies in the biopharma and medical value chains, the application of seven selected technologies (robotics, big data, cloud computing, 3D printing, Internet of Things, digital twin, and artificial intelligence), and the business models and market trends. 

TARGET AUDIENCE

This training course is intended to provide a solid foundation on the biopharma and medical industries within the context of the 4IR. The online training comprises four modules and intends to highlight the 4IR implications for developing countries, particularly least developed countries, outline related challenges, and elaborate on how to capitalize on the potential that 4IR technologies present in these industries. The content of the training modules has been designed to benefit participants working in governance, institutions, academies, firms, and small and medium-sized enterprises as well as individuals. The course is open to anyone who is interested in learning about the implementation of 4IR technologies in the biopharma and medical industries, as well as in the business models and trends of these industries. No prior knowledge is required.