The specialty chemicals industry is at a critical turning point. Faced with increasingly complex regulations, pressure to develop more sustainable products, and heightened market competition, R&D teams must accelerate their innovation cycles without compromising on performance or cost..
At Nextmol, we wanted to understand what’s really happening inside chemical R&D labs. So we asked the experts themselves.
Our recent study, conducted across Q1–Q2 2025, combines in-depth interviews with innovation leaders and a cross-sector survey of R&D professionals. The findings reveal a sector in transition, eager for digital tools, but held back by legacy processes and operational bottlenecks.
Key Findings
- Long development cycles are a competitive risk 72% of respondents say extended timelines are hurting their projects. Internal R&D often takes 4–5 years, while customer-driven innovation is expected in under 12 months.
- The first screening phase is the bottleneck The initial screening of compounds is the most costly and time-consuming step. Limited testing capacity slows down response times and inflates costs.
- Digital maturity is low, but interest is high While 75% of companies are starting to digitalize R&D, only 6% have fully implemented digital solutions. Many still rely on manual testing and Excel-based workflows.
- Sustainability takes a backseat to cost Despite public commitments, sustainable innovation is often deprioritized unless mandated by regulation or proven cost-effective.
- Adoption drivers are clear Speed, cost reduction, and ease of integration are the top motivators for adopting computational tools.
- What R&D leaders want Tools that optimize formulations, extract insights from data, and reduce unnecessary lab experiments are in high demand.
Strategic Implications
The message from R&D leaders is clear: they don’t want more complexity, they want clarity. AI and molecular modeling are emerging as powerful enablers to:
- Predict molecular behavior before synthesis
- Filter out low-potential candidates early
- Accelerate formulation decisions
- Align innovation with business goals
This isn’t about replacing expertise — it’s about amplifying it.
The Path Forward
Digital transformation in chemical R&D is no longer optional. It’s a strategic imperative. At Nextmol, we’re committed to supporting this transition with tools that simplify complexity, accelerate decision-making, and unlock sustainable innovation.
If you're leading R&D in chemicals, now is the time to rethink your innovation strategy. Let’s build the future — faster, smarter, and greener.