In just a few decades, digital breakthroughs like the Internet and smartphones have transformed how we live and work. Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to be the next major leap. AI's ability to mimic human intelligence—learning, reasoning, and adapting—has already impacted everyday life and is now set to revolutionize economies, including Croatia's.

AI has the power to boost productivity, automate tasks, and unlock innovation across sectors. According to studies by Accenture, McKinsey, PwC, and IDC, AI could contribute between $13 and $20 trillion to the global economy by 2030. It’s also expected to create more jobs than it displaces, while reshaping labor markets and sparking new industries.

For Croatia, AI presents a fast track to economic growth. By leveraging smart technology, the country can enhance public services, streamline administration, and empower businesses. But to succeed, Croatia must act swiftly and strategically.

AI is central to the European Union’s digital transformation agenda. With the 2024 EU AI Act—the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation—Member States are required to adopt AI responsibly. The EU seeks to strike a balance between innovation and safety, especially when it comes to high-risk AI systems in areas like healthcare, infrastructure, and law enforcement.

Croatia must align with this approach while avoiding excessive regulation that could stifle innovation. The key is to support innovation through a pro-growth framework and actively shape EU-level AI policies.

AmCham Croatia outlines several priority areas to accelerate AI adoption in Croatia:

1. Increasing public awareness of AI
2. AI adoption in public administration
3. Transforming the educational system
4. Promoting lifelong learning and labor market mobility
5. IT infrastructure at the center of AI development
6. Research and development subsidies
7. Enhanced utilization of EU funds
8. National Plan for the Development of AI
9. Regulatory sandboxes
10. Contributing to shaping EU AI policy

AI is more than a technological trend—it’s a transformative force that can propel Croatia into a new era of digital excellence. With decisive action, strategic planning, and close public-private collaboration, Croatia can become a leading AI-driven economy in the region. The time to act is now.