A GlobalData survey revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data will continue to remain the main investment targets, albeit at a lower level, over the next two years.

In 2020, AI and Big Data garnered 51% responses each, highest among all other emerging technologies. The figures were 57% and 56% in 2019, respectively.

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APIs and digital platforms followed with 39% votes in 2020, recording a decrease of two percentage points in the same period.

According to 2020 survey, social media (37%), cloud computing (35%) and Internet of Things (IoT) (33%) are also expected to remain popular investment targets. The percentages of the three technologies were 35%, 37% and 18% respectively, in 2019.

Read more: AI in Pharma: Filing Trends in 2021 (free download)

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Investment in wearable technology recorded a decrease in interest with figures dropping from 34% to 26% on a year-on-year basis.

In 2019, around 34% of the companies opined that they are going to invest in cybersecurity. The percentage dropped to 30% in 2020.

Alongside, blockchain witnessed a rise of seven percentage points on a year-on-year basis to 23% in 2020.

In 2020, around 22% of the respondents expected augmented reality to remain the main investment target. The sector garnered only 5% interest a year before.

Interest in biometrics remained stable at 20% on a year-on-year basis, while virtual reality received 18% votes in 2020 against 15% in 2019.

Other emerging technologies such as robotics, 3D printing, quantum computing received 16%, 14% and 10% votes respectively in 2020.

AI and Big Data expected to garner maximum investment over next two years

Uptake of Emerging Technologies in the Next Two Years, 2019 vs. 2020

The three percentages were 13%, 11% and 6% respectively a year before.

The analysis is based on Digital Transformation and Emerging Technology in the Healthcare Industry, 2020 survey​ fielded between 17 September and 06 October 2020.