Currently India stands as one of the highest ranked emerging countries in global contract research in the pharmaceuticals industry followed by Italy and China, and is expected to grow by 20% compounded annual growth, over the next five years.

According to report titled 'Indian Contract Research Industry' (CRO-nicles) by EmPower Research, LLC, a pioneer in the field of Business Research and Information Consulting - India stands as one of the highest ranked emerging countries in global contract research in the pharmaceuticals industry followed by Italy and China, and is expected to grow by 20% compounded annual growth, over the next five years. Over 30 global top-ranking contract research organizations (CROs), including Quintiles and Kendle have set up centers in India. 

Several major pharmaceutical companies are also setting up new centers, expanding their existing centers, or revisiting their India-centric strategies after a long time lapse. Today, as with every outsourced activity, clinical research has evolved as a major driver for the Indian CRO industry.