IFPMA commissioned WifOR Institute to analyze the economic impacts of the global pharmaceutical industry, focusing on contributions to gross domestic product (GDP), job creation, and research and development (R&D) activities.

The report shows that in 2022, the pharmaceutical industry facilitated the creation of approximately 74.9 million jobs, both directly and through spillover effects. Of these:

• 7.8 million people were directly employed by the industry
• 44.7 million jobs were supported indirectly
• 22.4 million jobs supported through induced effects in the supply chain

The industry contributed USD 2,295 billion to the global GDP, including direct and spillover effects. The pharmaceutical sector’s R&D activities alone added USD 227 billion to global GDP, 30% of its direct contribution to the world economy.