In the artificial intelligence (AI) market in Croatia, as well as across the EU, we are seeing strong growth, especially in public administration where AI technologies enable significant improvements in service delivery, operational efficiency and policymaking with significant support from the European Union in the form of digitalization of public services.
In 2024, with the growing adoption of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI), organizations will see tangible financial benefits. According to a recent McKinsey survey, 65% of respondents regularly use Gen AI, almost double the number compared to the previous year. The widespread adoption of Gen AI is particularly improving business functions such as marketing, sales and product development. The introduction of AI into various sectors is expected to bring significant economic gains, optimizing operations and encouraging innovative service delivery.
The above trends are reflected in the local environment, for example in the Adriatic Croatia region where, under the leadership of the University of Rijeka through the EDIH Adria program, numerous AI technologies are being developed and promoted, as well as industrial educational partnerships are being developed.
The results of the digital readiness tests conducted within the project clearly showed serious shortcomings and lagging behind of both public administration and companies in the application of artificial intelligence technologies in everyday business.