ACTO · Enterprise AI + Industry Research
Responsible Agentic AI in Life Sciences
Building a global executive-engagement and research platform for responsible Agentic AI.
Executive summary
ACTO recognized the need for a practical, life-sciences-specific definition of responsible Agentic AI. RISE helped transform that ambition into RAIL—a global executive-engagement and industry-research platform spanning strategy, program design, executive recruitment, operations and research. The initiative engaged more than 150 pharmaceutical and biotechnology leaders and established the foundation for an ACTO industry white paper.
The opportunity
Move beyond the AI conversation.
ACTO wanted to create a credible framework grounded in the realities of life sciences. That required perspectives from Commercial, Medical, Market Access, Legal, Regulatory, Compliance, Analytics and AI leaders—and a model designed to generate original research, practical recommendations and evidence, not simply event attendance.
The RISE approach
Assess. Address. Activate.
Define the agenda
RISE clarified the objectives, audiences and research agenda around efficiency, effectiveness, safety and human-centered change management.
Design the platform
RISE developed the roundtable model, discussion flow, research questions, data collection and attendee experience, while supporting steering-committee, venue and event planning.
Reach the market
RISE led audience recruitment, invitation campaigns, registration and follow-up across the United States, Canada and Europe, connecting the roundtables to conference programming and the planned white paper.
What RISE delivered
A connected system for engagement and evidence.
- Strategic objectives and the RAIL research framework
- Global executive-roundtable model and discussion architecture
- Cross-functional audience strategy and senior-leader recruitment
- Event planning, venue coordination, registration and communications
- Data collection across value, risk, governance and human adoption
- Foundation for an industry white paper, recommendations and continued engagement
The strategic shift
Business impact
A global platform with value beyond the events.
Twelve executive roundtables convened more than 150 pharmaceutical and biotechnology leaders across North America and Europe. Cross-functional participation generated original findings and created the foundation for ACTO's forthcoming industry white paper on the responsible deployment of Agentic AI in life sciences.
“RISE helped us turn an ambitious idea about responsible Agentic AI into a global executive-engagement and industry-research initiative. From the earliest objectives through program design, executive recruitment and deployment, Carl and the RISE team brought structure, life sciences credibility and the discipline required to move RAIL forward.
Together, we convened twelve executive roundtables and captured perspectives from more than 150 pharmaceutical and biotechnology leaders across North America and Europe. Those conversations created the foundation for ACTO's industry white paper on the responsible deployment of Agentic AI in life sciences.
RISE operated as a true strategic partner. They connected executive engagement, primary research and market activation in a way that strengthened ACTO's industry position and created value well beyond the individual events.”
RISE impact
From concept to international initiative.
RISE connected strategy, research, executive access and disciplined delivery—strengthening ACTO's role as an industry convener while creating a reusable platform for thought leadership and market development.
Featured Outcome: RAIL Research Report 2026
Defining an Agentic AI Trust Benchmark
As part of its collaboration with ACTO, RISE played an integral role in the Responsible AI in Life Sciences (RAIL) initiative and its research outputs.
The initiative brought together senior leaders from pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device organizations to explore the opportunities, challenges, and requirements for responsible agentic AI adoption in life sciences commercialization.
The resulting RAIL Report 2026 combines executive perspectives, original survey research, and practical guidance to help organizations evaluate AI trustworthiness, governance, human oversight, and business value.
Research Highlights
- 8 executive roundtables across North America and Europe.
- 80 senior life sciences leaders participating in the roundtables.
- 135 survey respondents.
- 6 emerging themes informing responsible agentic AI.
- The RAIL Score, evaluating six components of trustworthy agentic AI: governance, security, testing and certification, human-centricity, value creation, and orchestration.
- Practical resources supporting AI evaluation, workforce redesign, implementation planning, and vendor assessment.
The RISE Perspective
This initiative reflects a core RISE philosophy: industry knowledge becomes more valuable when translated into practical decisions and actions.
By connecting executive perspectives, research, and strategic thinking, initiatives like RAIL can help life sciences organizations move beyond AI experimentation toward responsible, measurable adoption.
RISE is proud to have contributed to ACTO's work advancing the conversation around responsible AI in life sciences.
Explore the Published Research
ACTO — Responsible AI in Life Sciences (RAIL) Report 2026: Defining an Agentic AI Trust Benchmark.
Download the complimentary report:
Download the complimentary reportResearch published by ACTO. RISE contributed to the initiative and its outputs.
Start a focused conversation
What idea could create more value with the right strategy, audience and activation?
carl@therisegroup.ai