Stuttgart in the innovation competition: How our city remains future-proof!

Stuttgart in the innovation competition: How our city remains future-proof!

At the Stuttgart business reception on October 25, 2025, Mayor Nopper pointed out the growing importance of innovation and cohesion for the city of Stuttgart. In view of increasing competition between locations, he emphasized that not only insurers, but also municipalities have to compete for qualified workers and companies. These challenges require a high level of investment in infrastructure and digital processes in order to increase Stuttgart's attractiveness as a location. Employees are increasingly comparing employers and municipal infrastructure, such as schools, daycare centers, public transport and health care, in order to make decisions.

The panel discussion, moderated by the city's economic developer Torsten von Appen, dealt with the topic of maintaining and expanding the city's innovative strength in challenging times. The discussants included Dr. Heinke Conrads from Allianz Lebensversicherungs-AG, Prof. Dr. Katharina Hölzle from the University of Stuttgart and the Fraunhofer Society and Benedikt Brand, CEO of Flip GmbH. They all agreed that a strong culture of innovation is crucial for the region's competitiveness.

New challenges through digitalization

A central aspect of the discussion was digitalization, which presents companies with new challenges. According to the DIHK, companies need to become more resilient to disruptions and review their supply chains for hardware and software products. The goal is to be able to operate more independently in the digital space. For the state, this means that it should provide companies with comprehensive support by promoting both digital and analogue security approaches and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles.

In addition, the associations, including DIHK and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, are calling in a joint paper for better conditions to be created for research transfer to industry and medium-sized companies. Regulatory relief and strengthening of spin-offs are also necessary. This would not only promote innovation dynamics, but also ensure Germany's competitiveness in times of declining investment and shortages of skilled workers.

The role of innovative strength in the future

The discussants emphasized the need for a coordinated innovation policy and a proactive approach to relevant issues. Dr. Volker Treier from the DIHK made it clear that the pace of innovation in companies is currently slowed down; only a third of industrial companies invest in new products. Prof. Holger Hanselka from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft noted that strong innovative strength is crucial for overcoming future challenges.

The discussion in Stuttgart was a clear call for more technology affinity and technical competence in society. This is a fundamental prerequisite for mastering the challenges of digitalization and competition while at the same time ensuring the innovative strength of the city and the country.