Embracing resilience in pharmaceutical manufacturing: “digital twins” – forging a resilient path in the VUCA maze
Authors: B. Avinash , Joseph George 
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The research provides new strategies for enhancing resilience in pharmaceutical manufacturing by addressing the dynamic nature of digital technology within the challenging framework of a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) world, focusing on the concept of digital twins (DTs). This paper aims to emphasize the pivotal role of resilience in navigating disruptions and propose future research directions to contribute to the industry’s effective adaptation to uncertainties and dynamic challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a qualitative approach, drawing insights from an extensive literature review on pharmaceutical manufacturing resilience and the integration of digital technologies. Methodologically, it synthesizes information from scholarly articles, empirical studies and industry reports to construct a comprehensive understanding. This design facilitates a thorough examination of the subject, providing valuable insights for practitioners, researchers and policymakers in the pharmaceutical industry.

Findings

This paper illustrates the practical application of DTs in vaccine production, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring quality, safety and adaptability. It adopts the “seizing, sensing and transforming” framework, showcasing the strategic integration of Industry 4.0 technologies to address dynamic challenges. Key insights include the significance of human elements alongside technological advancements, the need for real-time monitoring using Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) and the transformative potential of sustainability practices, diversified supply chains and collaborative ecosystems.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights the integration of human and digital elements, emphasizing IoT, AI and DTs for resilience. It underscores sustainable practices, supply chain diversification and collaboration as key strategies for addressing pharmaceutical industry challenges.

Practical implications

This paper offers practical insights for pharmaceutical manufacturing, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures, strategic investments in digital technologies and proactive regulatory compliance. Managers are encouraged to allocate budgets for digital integration, prioritize change management for technology adoption and invest in a skilled workforce. The adoption and management of DTs are highlighted to enhance resilience. Overall, the paper guides pharmaceutical organizations in navigating the complexities of the VUCA environment, ensuring the quality and safety of products through a multifaceted approach that combines advanced technologies with sustainability practices, supply chain diversification and collaborative ecosystems.

Social implications

The research addresses VUCA challenges, including volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It emphasizes societal benefits such as uninterrupted drug supply, environmental responsibility through sustainable practices and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders. By leveraging digital technologies and resilience strategies, the study highlights the pharmaceutical sector’s pivotal role in managing health crises and ensuring patient safety.

Originality/value

This paper offers substantial originality and value by presenting a comprehensive framework for bolstering resilience in pharmaceutical manufacturing within the VUCA environment. The integration of advanced digital technologies, notably DTs, is explored in-depth, providing novel insights into their practical application. The “seizing, sensing and transforming” concept contributes a nuanced approach, considering both technological and human dimensions. This paper addresses the gaps in current literature by combining diverse elements such as Industry 4.0, risk assessment, sustainability practices and collaborative ecosystems. Its practical implications for managers and detailed exploration of research directions add tangible value, guiding future endeavors in enhancing pharmaceutical industry resilience.