Reputation – General Public: Research and Development

Though relatively unfamiliar in detail about the work pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK do, a sense that the sector is world-leading persists. Although few have an in-depth understanding of its work, a majority nonetheless feel that the sector plays a leading role globally in discovering new medicines. This view continues to be shaped by public perceptions of its role in tackling COVID-19. This role provided a high-profile demonstration of scientific prowess and expertise that people could see and experience the immediate impact of.

There is widespread agreement that it has more advanced R&D than other countries and employs highly skilled professionals that use cutting-edge technology to produce safe, effective medicines that people need. This positive image underpins much trust in the sector and there is a consistent belief that pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK are ‘good at what they do’. 

But in the absence of deeper knowledge of, or active interest in its work, there is a degree of uncertainty about the industry. This results in consistent neutrality towards the sector, particularly on high-level measures of reputation, notably their propensity to trust the sector to behave or act in positive ways. This, alongside the views of a minority who are consistently critical, means that some negative assumptions persist, in particular that is it opaque.