Breaking Down Barriers: Why Closed Technology Ecosystems Are Holding Back Clinical Research

By Andres Garcia, Clinical Trial Officer, Florence Healthcare

The clinical research industry is complex and constantly advancing, calling on everyone involved to evolve along with it. While the speed of this advancement is notable, there are several factors continuing to slow down research and delay access to life-saving drugs and treatments. According to the author, more work needs to be done in the technology space. Specifically, vendors should be hosting open APIs and system integrations, and working with other vendors as well—including competitors—to collaborate with all stakeholders in the clinical research process.

“Some vendors think that they can ‘own the space’ and create a single ecosystem. Others may say, ‘We are the best at what we do’ and decide not to collaborate with others,” writes Garcia. “But the reality is that the technology ecosystem is so vast that there are endless categories and products currently deployed throughout sites, CROs, and sponsors.”

Access the article to explore the barriers created by closed technology ecosystems and the importance of open, interoperable solutions for advancing healthcare.