Integrated FSP/FSO model designed to enable global expansion
Case study
Overview
In December 2023, ICON partnered with a leading global pharmaceutical company to address the challenges associated with a rapidly expanding clinical development portfolio and an increasing demand for specialised Data Science expertise. Delivery commenced in February 2024, establishing the foundation for a long-term strategic collaboration. Together, the organisations developed a scalable operating model that combined strong governance, operational excellence and access to global talent, enabling rapid growth while maintaining high standards of quality and performance. As part of this partnership, ICON also designed a transformation strategy to support the client’s evolution from a traditional Functional Service Provider (FSP) model to a blended FSP/Functional Service Organisation (FSO) framework, providing greater flexibility, efficiency and scalability for future growth.
Challenge
The client anticipated a significant increase in clinical development activity, with pipeline volumes forecasted to triple. Existing infrastructure and resourcing models were not equipped to efficiently support the growing demands across Data Management, Biostatistics, Statistical Programming and Medical Writing. The organisation needed the ability to rapidly scale resources and adjust capacity to meet changing business requirements, while also implementing a planned transition of a portion of its FSP resources into a blended FSO model over a two-year period. At the same time, the client sought to integrate CRO methodologies and technologies seamlessly without disrupting ongoing operations.
Solution
ICON implemented a strategic blended FSP/FSO operating model designed to expand critical Data Science capabilities while ensuring operational continuity and high performance. A phased transformation approach was established to guide the client’s transition from a traditional FSP structure to a more mature and scalable FSO delivery model, while preserving institutional knowledge and established team expertise. The partnership was supported by a flexible commercial framework that balanced scalability with cost efficiency, providing improved budget predictability and long-term value. ICON also established a unified governance structure across all functions, promoting alignment, accountability and transparent decision-making. This approach enabled a highly agile global delivery model capable of responding quickly to portfolio changes and supporting the client’s future growth ambitions.
Outcome
Within six months, ICON successfully mobilised and deployed 50 highly skilled professionals across multiple regions and functional disciplines, enabling the client to meet increasing development demands in critical areas. The partnership established a scalable global delivery framework that could rapidly expand both FSP and FSO services in line with evolving business priorities. By leveraging a global team composed of highly experienced professionals in cost-efficient locations, the client achieved average cost savings of approximately 53% per resource compared with higher-cost regions. The programme also delivered the strategic infrastructure needed to support future CRO model expansion and increased operational flexibility. Importantly, the engagement maintained exceptional team stability, achieving a retention rate of more than 95% across both FSP and FSO teams during the first year of delivery.
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50
Professionals deployed -
6-month
Mobilisation -
95%+
Retention rate -
53%
Average cost savings