Exploring the Impact of Cloud Computing and Power BI Dashboards to Improve Pharma R&D Practices

Abstract

The pharmaceutical sector is rapidly becoming digital as it requires prompt innovation, collaboration, and compliance with regulations. The conventional research and development frameworks are frequently based on siloed frameworks and manual processes, and are generally unable to sustain surging amounts of multifaceted biomedical data. This work attempts to address this issue by exploring the potential of cloud computing and Power BI dashboards to enhance data accessibility, scalability, decision-making, and overall research efficiency within pharmaceutical R&D. The purpose of the study was to understand the effects of technologies on R&D practices, what hinders the adoption of these technologies and how these technologies can be integrated effectively. The study utilised mixed methods by combining quantitative survey data from professionals in the pharmaceutical industry with the qualitative opinions of these pharmaceutical professionals as collected through semi-structured interviews. The approach enabled not just quantifiable trends but also rich contextual insight. Findings revealed widespread scepticism in survey results, with most respondents disagreeing that cloud computing improved accessibility, scalability, or cost savings, and expressing low confidence in Power BI’s decision-making and forecasting capabilities. However, interview participants offered a more balanced perspective, highlighting tangible benefits such as enhanced collaboration, real-time data access, and improved trial monitoring when the tools were implemented effectively. Both data sources confirmed that integration of cloud and BI tools generated synergistic value, but adoption was hindered by regulatory, technical, and organisational barriers, including training gaps and cultural resistance. The study contributes to academic knowledge by bridging a gap in research that rarely explores the combined impact of cloud and BI integration in a regulated industry context. Practically, it provides an actionable adoption framework and recommendations for organisations, particularly small and mid-sized firms, to strengthen readiness, governance, and user engagement. By aligning technological potential with organisational change, the findings offer a roadmap for more efficient and digitally enabled pharmaceutical R&D.