OBJECTIVES: This survey was conducted to identify and better understand the challenges and opportunities in sourcing, procurement, and contracting of health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) and real-world evidence (RWE).

METHODS: An online survey of researchers and suppliers in HEOR, RWE, and related areas was conducted. A total of 157 responses were received.

RESULTS: Respondents represented a wide variety of companies including biopharma/medical device (34.4%), research consultancies (37.0%), private payers/pharmacy benefit management companies (5.1%), and academia (7.0%). The majority (71.3%) were from North America and Europe (17.4%). About one-third (31.7%) categorized themselves as a buyer of services, 37.5% as a supplier, and 25% were both. The survey found heavy outsourcing in HEOR and RWE with 41.5% of respondents contracting almost all (76-100%) of their work and another third (29.3%) contracting one-half to three-fourths of their work. It identified key challenges including long contracting processes, lack of standardization and difficulties connecting buyers and suppliers. Over half of respondents (56.7%) found that contracting time exceeded 2 months. Seventy-eight percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that contracting requirements are not standardized. The majority of suppliers (67.2%) agreed or strongly agreed that buyer compliance requirements hinder successful contracting, and 81.3% found it difficult to navigate the buyer’s procurement process. Over half of buyers (58.5%) agreed or strongly agreed that it is challenging to find and compare potential suppliers. Half of suppliers (50.0%) agreed or strongly agreed it is difficult to connect and differentiate their company to potential buyers. The majority of respondents (83.0%) expressed interest in a better way to connect buyers with suppliers.

CONCLUSIONS: As the number and complexity of HEOR and RWE initiatives increases, more attention must be paid to the barriers to effective procurement and efficient market access from both the supplier and buyer side.