The Croatian government is currently working on a National Plan for the Development of AI. This section will be updated with more information as soon as it is published.
Initiative overview
The National Plan for the Development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Croatia aims to address the growing need for a comprehensive framework that promotes the responsible development, adoption, and regulation of AI technologies across the country. As AI continues to reshape industries, economies, and societies worldwide, Croatia seeks to leverage this transformative technology to enhance its digital economy, improve public services, and ensure sustainable and inclusive growth. The initiative recognizes challenges such as skill shortages, ethical considerations, data governance, and innovation capacity, and strives to create an ecosystem conducive to AI advancement while safeguarding societal values.The primary objectives of the National AI Plan include fostering innovation through research and development, strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting AI adoption in public and private sectors, and enhancing human capital through education and skills development. The strategy also emphasizes ethical AI use, data privacy, transparency, and trustworthiness, aligning with European Union standards and global best practices. Collaboration among government agencies, academia, industry, and civil society is a central pillar, ensuring that diverse perspectives inform AI policies and practices.Looking ahead, the initiative is designed to evolve through iterative implementation phases supported by the Central State Office for the Development of the Digital Society, which coordinates multi-stakeholder engagement and monitors progress. Institutionalization involves integrating AI strategy goals into broader digital transformation efforts, with a focus on scalability and adaptability to emerging technological trends. The plan includes mechanisms for ongoing stakeholder consultations, periodic reviews, and alignment with EU AI frameworks, ensuring that Croatia remains agile in responding to new challenges and opportunities in the AI landscape.Since its adoption in late 2022, the National AI Plan has progressed from strategic formulation to active engagement with over 40 organizations spanning public authorities, business associations, academia, and civil society. This collaborative approach has facilitated a shared understanding of priorities and challenges, driving targeted initiatives in research funding, skills development, and ethical governance. The initiative continues to evolve with updates informed by technological advancements, stakeholder feedback, and international developments, positioning Croatia as a proactive player in the global AI ecosystem.