Enabling innovation: The R&D ecosystem for medicines and vaccines

R&D is the engine transforming health outcomes for people, economies, and societies.

Investment in the research and development (R&D) of innovative medicines and vaccines has driven unprecedented progress in health, economic growth, and social well-being.

New breakthrough therapies offer hope to millions of people worldwide. Between 2004-2023, 942 novel active substances launched globally. And in 2025, over 12,900 medicines were in clinical development worldwide, with three-quarters dedicated to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The innovative pharmaceutical R&D sector is a major driver of medical innovations that deliver economic value. In 2022, the pharmaceutical sector's R&D activities alone contributed USD 227 billion GDP globally, 30% of its direct contribution to the world economy. Of the 7.8 million people directly employed by the pharmaceutical industry, over 1 million involved in R&D activities, fostering high-skilled employment and economic growth.

Despite this health and economic progress, significant challenges remain, requiring continued commitment to deliver innovation as the R&D ecosystem undergoes rapid transformation.

Decisive policy action is critical to sustain innovation that improves people's lives. This position paper illustrates the R&D ecosystem in action, and underscores the importance of continued commitment by governments and across stakeholders to ensure the conditions that enable the development and delivery of transformative medicines and vaccines.