Europe CRO Market Share

Europe CRO Market Overview

Europe CRO Market Size was valued at USD 20.2 Billion in 2022. The CRO market industry is projected to grow from USD 21.57 billion in 2023 to USD 36.15 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.80% during the forecast period (2023 - 2032). Increased health concerns and challenges have led to more expensive operations, and more bariatric procedures are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

CRO Market Trends

• Growing demand for virtual and decentralized clinical trials is driving the market growth

The demand for virtual and decentralized clinical trials has increased at the fastest Market CAGR. The implementation of remote monitoring and patient-centric approaches has been expedited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a decreased necessity for in-person site visits. This phenomenon improves the efficiency of patient recruitment, retention, and data acquisition, thereby increasing the accessibility and inclusivity of clinical trials. By integrating digital technologies, telemedicine, and data analytics, CROs are fostering a clinical trial environment that is more adaptable and robust.

Furthermore, pragmatic clinical trials and real-world evidence (RWE) are gaining increasing attention. Various stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies and healthcare providers, are acknowledging the value of integrating real-world data with conventional clinical trial data. This integration aims to enhance comprehension of treatment efficacy and safety across diverse patient populations. Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) are assuming a crucial function in the development and implementation of pragmatic trials that mirror routine clinical practice. This enables CROs to offer insights that extend beyond the controlled setting of conventional trials. Consistent with the industry's overarching transition towards research methodologies that prioritize patient outcomes and are more patient-centric, this trend impacts the strategic trajectory of CROs that operate within the European market. Thus driving the CRO market revenue.

CRO Market Segment Insights

CRO Service Type Insights

The Europe CRO market segmentation, based on Service Type, includes early Phase Development Services, Clinical, Laboratory Services, and Others. Clinical services represent the most substantial sector within the European CRO market, primarily propelled by the escalating intricacies associated with clinical trials. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are increasingly delegating clinical trial operations to CROs in order to capitalize on their specialized knowledge, expedite trial schedules, and effectively manage regulatory obligations. This demand for all-encompassing clinical services drives the expansion of this sector within the European CRO industry.

CRO Application Insights

The Europe CRO market segmentation, based on Application, includes Oncology, Neurology, Cardiology, Infectious Disease, Metabolic Disorder, Renal/Nephrology, and Others. The European CRO market is witnessing the emergence of oncology as the largest segment, driven by the growing emphasis on cancer research and the elevated incidence of oncological disorders. Pharmaceutical companies utilize CROs due to the intricate nature of oncology trials, which necessitates specialized knowledge and a strong approach to patient recruitment. As a result, this sector experienced significant expansion.

CRO Service End-user Insights

The Europe CRO market segmentation, based on End-users, includes Pharmaceutical and biotech Companies, Medical Device Companies, Academic and Research Institutes, and Others. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies constitute the largest segment of the European CRO market, which is being driven by the increasing trend of outsourcing. In order to streamline research processes, reduce expenses, and expedite drug development schedules, these organizations pursue CRO expertise. By harnessing external capabilities, they are able to outsource, which guarantees a concentration on fundamental capabilities and improves the overall efficacy of research and development undertakings.

Figure 1: Europe CRO Market, by End User, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

CRO Regional Insights

By region, the study provides market insights into Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain and the rest of Europe. Germany dominates the European market due to its strong pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, sophisticated research infrastructure, and leadership in innovation. The United Kingdom is the most rapidly expanding region, driven by technological advancements, a supportive regulatory environment, and a dynamic life sciences ecosystem. The CRO market is expanding at a faster rate in France, the second-largest region, due to its robust pharmaceutical industry, research excellence, and rising outsourcing trends.

Figure 2: EUROPE CRO MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

CRO Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Leading market players in the European CRO market engage in mergers and strategic collaborations to combat the intense competition. CROs are emphasizing broadening their service portfolios and expanding their geographic reach in response to the growing demand for specialized services and other market developments. In the swiftly evolving European CRO market, companies are striving to provide comprehensive solutions to pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners, thereby intensifying competition and cultivating a dynamic environment.

Key Companies in the CRO market include

• Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC (Thermo Fisher Scientific ) (U.S.)


• Medpace Holdings, Inc. (U.S.)


• Parexel International Corporation (Ireland)


• IQVIA (U.S.)


• Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (U.S.)


• Charles River Laboratories (U.S.)


• PHASTAR (U.K.)


• Oy 4Pharma Ltd (Finland)


• PSI (Switzerland)


• Icon plc (Ireland)

CRO Market Segmentation

CRO Service Type Outlook

• Early Phase Development Services


• Clinical


• Laboratory Service


• Others

CRO Application Outlook

• Oncology


• Neurology


• Cardiology


• Infectious Disease


• Metabolic Disorder


• Renal/Nephrology


• Others

CRO End-user Outlook

• Pharmaceutical & Biotech Companies


• Medical Device Companies


• Academic & Research Institutes


• Others