A meta-analysis of AI and machine learning in project management: Optimizing vaccine development for emerging viral threats in biotechnology

Abstract

Objectives

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have emerged as transformative technologies across various industries, including healthcare, biotechnology, and vaccine development. These technologies offer immense potential to improve project management efficiency, decision-making, and resource utilization, especially in complex tasks such as vaccine development and healthcare innovations.

Methods

A systematic meta-analysis was conducted by reviewing studies from databases like PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar until September 2024. The analysis focused on the application of AI and ML in project management for vaccine development, biotechnology, and broader healthcare innovations using the PICO framework to guide study selection and inclusion. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software.

Results

The meta-analysis reviewed 44 studies examining the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in healthcare, biotechnology, and vaccine development project management. Results demonstrated significant improvements in efficiency, resource allocation, decision-making, and risk management. AI/ML applications notably accelerated vaccine development, from candidate identification to clinical trial optimization, and improved predictive modeling for efficacy and safety. Subgroup analysis revealed variations in effectiveness across healthcare sectors, with the highest pooled effect sizes observed in infectious disease control (1.2; 95 % CI: 0.85–1.50) compared to medical imaging (0.85; 95 % CI: 0.75–0.95). Studies employing AI techniques demonstrated a pooled effect size of 0.83 (95 % CI: 0.78–1.08). Despite the observed high heterogeneity (I² = 99.04 %) and moderate-to-high risks of bias, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings. Overall, AI/ML integration offers transformative potential to enhance project management and vaccine development, driving innovation and efficiency in these critical fields.

Conclusion

AI and ML technologies show significant potential to transform project management practices in healthcare, biotechnology, and vaccine development by enhancing efficiency, predictive analytics, and decision-making capabilities. Their integration paves the way for more innovative, data-driven solutions that can adapt to evolving challenges in these fields.