Validation is evolving fast. Audit readiness is rising to the top, workloads aren’t letting up, and digital transformation is no longer a future initiative. Recent State of Validation findings show just how sharply priorities are shifting, including the growing move to digital systems.
2026 State of Validation survey is now open
This annual research initiative, powered by Kneat Solutions and independently authored by a leading academic researcher, captures the real-world practices, progress, and pain points shaping validation globally.
The 2026 State of Validation survey is now live — and your input matters. Take the survey now and claim your gift before it closes on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Powered by Kneat, supported by industry partners
The 2026 survey is powered by Kneat, and supported by our partner organizations:
- Integrated Project Services (IPS)
- PM Group
- Telstar (Syntegon Group)
Their involvement helps broaden reach across the validation community and strengthen the dataset — so the findings reflect the industry as it is, not as we assume it to be.
Meet the 2026 report author: Donncadh Nagle
The 2026 State of Validation report will be authored by Donncadh Nagle, a validation professional and academic with deep, hands-on experience across CQV and validation disciplines.
Donncadh is also a lecturer at TU Dublin and a doctoral student focused on emerging technologies.
What the 2026 survey includes
The survey is designed to be fast to complete (around 10 minutes), while still capturing meaningful detail on what validation teams are prioritizing — and what’s getting in the way.
You can expect questions across themes like:
- Validation operating models
- Priority areas
- Efficiency pressures
- Digital validation adoption and outcomes
- Current AI adoption and intent
- Key AI concerns and risk considerations
- Regulatory awareness and readiness
- How validation practices may evolve over the coming years
Who should take part?
If you work in validation, quality, engineering, manufacturing, automation, IT quality, Analytical Instrument Validation (AIV), Batch Records, Cleaning Validation, Commissioning, Qualification, Validation (CQV), Computer System Validation (CSV), Document Management, Drawing Management, eLogbooks, Equipment Validation, Facilities & Utilities Validation, Method Validation, or Process Validation — or related roles in life sciences or other regulated industries, your perspective is valuable!
What happens to the results?
Survey responses roll up into the 2026 State of Validation report, alongside analysis and practical takeaways designed to help teams benchmark and make better decisions. This is how State of Validation builds an annual dataset that tracks what’s changing, what’s working, and what’s next.
Add your voice
If you’re planning your 2026 or 2027 roadmap (or already feeling the pressure of expectations), this is a chance to influence the benchmark and make sure the report reflects what validation teams are actually experiencing.
The survey closes Friday, February 6, 2026.
