Accelerating workforce readiness for digitalisation and automation in UK cell & gene therapy manufacturing

The Need for Foresight in Advanced Therapies

The UK’s cell and gene therapy sector is at the forefront of delivering life-changing treatments, but scaling up manufacturing to meet global health demands requires a future-ready workforce. The Workforce Foresighting Cycle, led by the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult and sponsored by the BioIndustry Association (BIA), tackled this challenge by focusing on the digitalisation and automation of manufacturing processes. This initiative is a critical step in ensuring the UK remains competitive, innovative, and able to deliver advanced therapies at scale.

What was the cycle about?

The foresighting cycle aimed to identify the workforce capabilities needed to implement automation and digitalisation in cell and gene therapy manufacturing. The objectives were to:

• Map future workforce capabilities for technologies such as robotic platforms, digital twins, and supply chain optimisation.
• Identify gaps between current education/training provision and future occupational profiles.
• Develop actionable insights for employers, educators, and policymakers.
• Enable collaboration across industry, academia, and technology providers to drive skills development.

The cycle involved 22 organisations, including industry leaders, education providers, and technology specialists. Data sources included Skills England Occupational Standards, ESCO, O*NET, and expert workshops conducted with the final report published in February 2025.

Sector and technology focus

• Sector: UK Cell and Gene Therapy manufacturing.
• Technology focus: Digitalisation and automation, including robotic platforms, digital twins, and advanced supply chain management.
• Key roles identified: Automation technicians, data analysts, quality leads, and other high-demand positions.

Who was involved?

The cycle brought together a diverse group of stakeholders:

• Industry: Oxford Biomedica, Extracellular, Adaptimmune, Aviadobio, INmune Bio Inc , Pharmaron, OriBiotech, RoslinCT.
• Skills/Education: Kings College London, University of Hertfordshire, Northeastern University London, Cambridge Spark, North Hertfordshire College, BioIndustry Association.
• Technology: Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, MaxCyte, Miltenyi, Fourplus, Sartorius, Heriot-Watt (National Robotarium), Microfluidx.
• Sponsor: BioIndustry Association (BIA), the UK’s leading trade association for biotech and life sciences, with strong policy influence and a broad network across the advanced therapies ecosystem.

Insights into Action

The foresighting cycle delivered significant progress, moving from insight to implementation:

1. Report dissemination

• The final report was widely shared via Innovate UK channels, social media, and promoted at multiple events, including National Apprenticeship Week, to raise awareness and accelerate adoption.

2. Training initiatives and development of new pathways

• A digital and data training category was launched on the CGT Catapult Life Sciences Learner Hub.
• Modular content was developed, including a Stevenage training laboratory course, to upskill both existing staff and new entrants.
• In collaboration with Cambridge Spark, creation of the Industry Skills Accelerator Digital and Automation Apprenticeship Learner Pathway.
• Support for the development of Stevenage Training Laboratory (STL) courses, providing hands-on experience with advanced technologies.

3. Stakeholder engagement

• Continued engagement with government, education providers, and industry to align with sector strategies.
• Initial conversations began to establish a standards group for reviewing apprenticeship frameworks, ensuring that training keeps pace with technological change.
• Funding discussions are in progress to support further content development.

Why this matters: Driving transformation for UK life sciences

The foresighting cycle on digitalisation and automation in cell and gene therapy manufacturing is a catalyst for economic growth and workforce transformation. Anticipating future capabilities and aligning education with emerging technologies enables the UK to scale up advanced therapy manufacturing, attract investment, and improve patient access to life-changing treatments. At the same time, it creates new occupational profiles and training pathways to build a future-ready workforce. This collaborative approach positions the UK to lead globally and deliver lasting economic and societal benefits. Continued commitment is essential to unlock the full potential of digitalisation and automation – because the future of health innovation depends on the actions we take today.