Last month, I had the privilege of hosting a group of MedTech leaders in Barcelona for an engaging, solutions-driven roundtable. During a full day of open discussion, technology showcases, and peer exchange, one theme emerged loud and clear: our industry is at a crossroads, where AI, human expertise, and operational innovation must converge to meet growing complexity and global regulatory demands.

AI: Between Expectation and Practical Value 

Across the discussion, leaders shared a common reality—corporate pressure to “use AI” is mounting, but turning that pressure into measurable outcomes is complex. The conversation centered on what responsible AI adoption truly means and moving beyond the hype toward models that work effectively within regulated environments.

One sentiment resonated across the group: It’s not AI versus people, it’s AI with people. This human-in-the-loop approach, which combines automation with professional oversight, was viewed as the most sustainable path forward, ensuring both efficiency and quality.

And with AI now firmly on the C-suite agenda, translation is often seen as a natural use case. But real success will depend on collaboration between content teams and IT, ensuring that technology is implemented thoughtfully, governed effectively, and adopted in a balanced way across the organization.

Keeping Up with Technology—While Keeping It Human

The pace of change in MedTech is relentless. Participants discussed the challenge of integrating new digital tools, data systems, and AI solutions while maintaining operations that are people-focused and compliant.

The most forward-thinking organizations are shifting from a patchwork of disconnected tools to integrated ecosystems that connect technology, data, and teams. As one participant put it, “The goal isn’t more technology, it’s better orchestration.”

That orchestration depends on alignment across departments. AI initiatives work best when IT and content teams co-own the strategy, combining technical expertise with domain knowledge to ensure the right data, governance, and workflows are in place.

Welocalize’s own OPAL platform, including AI Post-Edit (AIPE) and AI Quality Estimation (AIQE), was shared as an example of how intelligent automation can streamline workflows and create efficiencies without losing human oversight.

Managing Volume and Complexity

A recurring challenge among participants was the growing volume and complexity of multilingual content, from labeling, marketing, and training materials to compliance documentation and internal communications.

This reality underscores the need for a tiered content strategy, where each content type is managed through the most appropriate workflow, combining AI automation with the right level of human curation.

Automation offers relief, but structure creates sustainability. Attendees highlighted the value of structured authoring, standardized source content, and integrated workflows to reduce duplication, improve quality, and accelerate turnaround times across markets.

Building the Team of the Future

Transformation isn’t just technological—it’s human. Leaders reflected on how the skills that define tomorrow’s MedTech teams are evolving.

Digital literacy, data analysis, and adaptability now sit alongside domain expertise as essential capabilities. Teams that understand business priorities and cross-functional dynamics are better positioned to demonstrate value and drive alignment across the organization.

Simplifying to Scale

Operational excellence ultimately comes down to simplicity. Several participants shared how consolidating systems and automating repetitive steps have unlocked speed, consistency, and transparency.

The consensus: simplification enables scale. When processes are intuitive and technology supports rather than complicates, teams can focus on innovation, not administration.

Looking Ahead

The takeaway from Barcelona was clear: innovation is no longer optional, it’s expected. However, the organizations that will lead the next chapter of MedTech are those that strike a balance between automation and human expertise and align their strategy across all functions.

AI may be the catalyst, but real transformation will depend on cross-functional collaboration, particularly between content and IT teams, to ensure every advancement is meaningful, scalable, and compliant.

To everyone who joined, thank you for your openness, candor, and collaboration. These discussions remind us that transformation doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when we share ideas and tackle challenges together.

Want to be part of the next MedTech Roundtable or see how Welocalize supports global innovation?

Let’s connect and explore how we can help your team scale smarter and faster.