Final answer:
The risk category that the high-risk area for the pharmaceutical industry belongs to is external risk, strategic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The risk category to which the high-risk area for the pharmaceutical industry belongs is external risk, strategic.
This category refers to risks that are beyond the control of a company and emerge from external factors, such as changes in government regulations and policies.
In the case of the pharmaceutical industry, the U.S. health care reform legislation poses a risk as it can significantly impact the industry's operations, pricing, and market access.