Montenegro has taken a significant step toward strengthening artificial intelligence (AI) governance and innovation by launching the development of the Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026–2030. A two-day workshop of the national Working Group was held on 13 February 2026 in Budva, with the support of UNDP and in coordination with the Government of Montenegro.
The initiative marks an important milestone in the country’s broader digital transformation agenda, placing healthcare among the priority sectors for AI implementation.
Healthcare Identified as a Strategic AI Priority
During the workshop, experts from public institutions, academia, and the technology sector discussed strategic directions for developing Montenegro’s AI ecosystem over the next five years. One of the central outcomes of the discussions was the recognition of healthcare as a high-impact sector for AI integration.
AI applications in healthcare were identified as particularly relevant in the following areas:
- Advanced medical data analysis
- Clinical decision-support systems
- Early diagnosis through AI-based medical image processing
- Optimization of hospital workflows and resource allocation
- Predictive analytics in public health planning
The use of AI technologies in these domains has the potential to enhance efficiency, improve diagnostic accuracy, and support healthcare professionals in delivering more timely and personalized patient care.
From Digitalization to Intelligent Systems
Montenegro has already made progress in establishing centralized digital health systems in recent years. These systems provide a structured database environment that can serve as a foundation for AI integration.
The next phase of development involves moving beyond basic digitalization toward intelligent data processing. AI-driven tools can transform existing digital infrastructure into active decision-support systems capable of analyzing complex datasets and identifying patterns that may not be immediately visible through conventional analysis.
Such a transition would represent a qualitative shift in the functioning of the healthcare system, enabling data-driven planning, optimized resource management, and improved clinical workflows.
Strengthening Capacity and Governance
Participants in the Working Group emphasized that technological development must be accompanied by strong governance frameworks.
- Key priorities identified include:
- Strengthening data governance and interoperability standards
- Ensuring cybersecurity and patient data protection
- Establishing ethical guidelines for AI use in healthcare
- Building multidisciplinary teams combining IT specialists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers
The success of AI implementation will depend not only on technological readiness but also on institutional capacity, regulatory clarity, and cross-sector collaboration.
Positioning Montenegro within European Research Frameworks
The preparation of the Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026–2030 also reinforces Montenegro’s engagement with international research and innovation programmes, including Horizon Europe.
By defining clear priorities and establishing a strategic framework, Montenegro enhances its readiness to participate in European AI-driven healthcare initiatives. This alignment creates opportunities for partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collaborative projects at both regional and EU levels.
Next Steps
The Working Group will proceed with finalizing the strategic document, defining a concrete action plan, and establishing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure effective implementation.
Through this structured approach, Montenegro demonstrates its commitment to responsible and sustainable AI development. With healthcare at the forefront of digital innovation, the country is positioning itself to harness artificial intelligence as a tool for improving public services and strengthening long-term system resilience.
