ICON, the Ireland‑based CRO, announced a planned $300 million investment in AI and digital technologies over the next three years to modernize trial operations, data capture and analytics. CEO Barry Balfe described the funding as central to scaling decentralized trials and automating trial workflows. The investment underscores a broader industry shift: service providers are funding digital platforms to control trial efficiency and attract sponsors seeking faster, lower‑cost trial execution. ICON’s plan will target AI tools, automation and scaling of digital trial capabilities.