Stuttgart continuously makes headlines within the international medical and pharma industry every time MedtecLIVE rolls around to deliver the newest generation of developments and innovations. In 2024, 376 exhibitors from 26 countries unveiled their vision for the future of healthcare. The accompanying forum provided an excellent platform for the industry to exchange ideas on key topics, such as digitalization, automation, regulation, and the circular economy. One of the central questions raised during the event was how German medical technology can maintain its innovative edge amidst growing global competition and regulatory pressures. A panel organized by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) explored potential answers, emphasizing the role of AI, robotics, and sustainable development in driving future growth. A key highlight of MedtecLIVE 2024 was the focus on how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are poised to reshape the industry. Dr. Paul Martin Weigl, CEO of MECEOR GmbH, noted during a panel discussion that while cutting-edge technologies can often be expensive and niche, they have the potential to become more accessible to the general population over time. He also stressed the need for greater transparency in how public funds are utilized to support innovation that benefits everyday treatments, not just cutting-edge therapies. The consensus among industry leaders and government representatives was that the sector could remain innovative, but public funding and policy support would need to be better aligned with industry needs. The importance of collaboration between industry, government, and research institutions was a recurring theme throughout MedtecLIVE 2024, which can also be felt in the medical and pharma industry in Stuttgart. The event's robust supporting program included discussions on how to optimize the regulatory framework to foster innovation without stifling creativity. During the BVMed network breakfast, representatives from the medical technology sector echoed similar concerns about the balance between regulation and innovation.