Strategic leadership and 4IR technologies in R&D : an analysis of innovation barriers in South Africa’s pharmaceutical sector

This quantitative analysis aims to add knowledge that is lacking, as indicated by the underpinning study based in India (Tyagi et al., 2016). Quantitative data sourced from key stakeholders in the industry through an electronic survey, where the instrument is structured from Kruger and Steyn (2023), as this adds insights towards innovation using advanced technology at an organizational level. This study aims to address how R&D intensity impacts strategic and innovative decisions within the pharmaceutical industry of South Africa. The study explores the role of R&D intensity and the integration of technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), such as biotechnology, in fostering business innovation, which in turn can positively impact strategic outcomes on an organizational level.