The development of new medications is a long, complex, and costly process. Productivity—how efficiently a drug developer creates value from their investment—is key to success, yet it often remains elusive. For pharma and life sciences stakeholders, improving R&D productivity entails balancing clinical outcomes, commercial success, and the resources required to bring a drug to market. The first article in this productivity series explores strategies to optimize every stage of clinical trials. It highlights the importance of rethinking workflows and leveraging innovative tools and techniques. As trial costs rise and productivity stagnates, stakeholders must shift away from traditional methods and embrace a structured approach.