Serbia - AI Development Strategy (RAI-RS-NA-SDAIRXX-2019)

Overview

The Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in the Republic of Serbia 2020-2025 is Serbia's foundational national AI policy framework, adopted by the Government on December 26, 2019. This comprehensive document establishes Serbia's vision for becoming a regional leader in AI development within Southeast Europe. The strategy addresses AI's potential to transform the economy, enhance public services, advance scientific research, and prepare the workforce for future challenges. It was developed in alignment with the European Initiative on Artificial Intelligence, reflecting Serbia's commitment to EU harmonization as part of its accession process.

Definitions

The strategy adopts internationally recognized definitions for key AI concepts. Artificial Intelligence is defined broadly as systems capable of performing tasks requiring human-like intelligence, including learning, reasoning, and adaptation. The document distinguishes between narrow AI applications (task-specific systems) and potential future developments in general AI. Key terms include machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, computer vision, and autonomous systems. The strategy also defines the AI ecosystem as encompassing research institutions, industry actors, educational entities, government bodies, and civil society organizations contributing to AI development and deployment.

Governance and Institutional Framework

The strategy establishes a multi-stakeholder governance structure led by the Office for Artificial Intelligence within the government. The Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment manages the National AI Platform infrastructure. Key institutional actors include the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, which oversees research and development initiatives, and the newly established Institute for Artificial Intelligence Research and Development (IVI). The strategy mandates creation of an AI Council to coordinate cross-sectoral initiatives and provide policy guidance. Universities and research institutions, particularly those with computer science and engineering faculties, serve as key partners in human capital development and research advancement.

Key Focus Areas

• Economic Development: Leveraging AI to enhance competitiveness, productivity, and innovation across Serbian industries and businesses.
• Public Administration: Deploying AI solutions to improve efficiency and quality of government services for citizens.
• Healthcare: Applying AI for diagnostics, treatment optimization, and health system management improvements.
• Education: Reforming curricula and establishing programs to develop AI skills and prepare workforce for AI-driven economy.
• Research and Innovation: Building AI research capacity through dedicated institutes, funding programs, and international collaboration.
• Infrastructure Development: Creating national AI platform with supercomputing capabilities and data resources.
• Agriculture: Using AI for precision farming, crop optimization, and agricultural productivity enhancement.
• Transportation: Implementing intelligent transport systems and exploring autonomous vehicle technologies.
• Startup Ecosystem: Supporting AI-focused entrepreneurs through incubators, accelerators, and funding mechanisms.
• Ethical AI: Ensuring responsible AI development respecting human rights and fundamental values.
• Data Governance: Establishing frameworks for data sharing, protection, and quality assurance.
• International Cooperation: Engaging in bilateral and multilateral AI initiatives with EU and global partners.

Implementation Framework

The strategy employs a phased implementation approach spanning the 2020-2025 period. Phase one (2020-2021) focused on establishing foundational infrastructure, including the National AI Platform deployed at the Government Data Center in Kragujevac. Phase two (2021-2023) emphasized human capital development through educational programs and research initiatives. Phase three (2023-2025) targets scaling AI applications across sectors and achieving measurable impact. Implementation is coordinated through action plans developed annually with specific deliverables and responsible entities. The UNDP Serbia has provided technical assistance supporting government AI initiatives. Public-private partnerships are encouraged for AI solution development and deployment, with government providing framework conditions and incentives while industry contributes expertise and investment.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The strategy establishes a comprehensive monitoring framework with key performance indicators across all focus areas. Progress is tracked through annual reports submitted to the Government and published publicly. Indicators include number of AI research publications, patent filings, AI-focused educational program graduates, AI startup formations, and AI adoption rates in public services. International benchmarks such as the Government AI Readiness Index inform Serbia's positioning and target-setting. The AI Council reviews implementation progress quarterly and recommends adjustments as needed. Independent evaluations are conducted at mid-term and end of strategy period to assess impact and inform successor strategies.

Penalties, Liability, and Appeals

As a strategic policy document rather than binding legislation, the strategy itself does not establish penalties or liability frameworks. However, it mandates development of regulatory frameworks addressing AI-specific concerns. Existing legal instruments apply to AI applications, including data protection laws aligned with GDPR, consumer protection regulations, and sector-specific requirements. The strategy emphasizes the need for clear liability rules for AI systems, particularly autonomous decision-making applications. Appeals and redress mechanisms follow standard administrative procedures for government actions. The subsequent Ethical Guidelines (2023) provide more specific guidance on responsible AI practices that inform liability considerations.

Relationship to Other Instruments

The strategy connects with Serbia's broader digital transformation agenda, including the eGovernment Development Strategy and Information Security Strategy. It builds upon the Smart Specialization Strategy identifying AI as a priority area for innovation investment. The strategy explicitly aligns with EU frameworks including the Coordinated Plan on AI and anticipates harmonization with emerging EU AI regulations as part of Serbia's accession process. Domestically, the 2023 Ethical Guidelines for AI Development complement the strategy with detailed ethical principles. The Personal Data Protection Law provides the legal basis for data governance aspects. Sector-specific strategies in healthcare, agriculture, and transportation incorporate AI components aligned with this national framework.

International Alignment

Serbia's AI strategy demonstrates strong alignment with international AI governance frameworks. The document explicitly references the European Commission's AI policy framework and commits to harmonization with EU standards. Serbia subsequently joined the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), becoming an active participant in multilateral AI governance discussions. The strategy incorporates OECD AI Principles on human-centered AI development. Bilateral cooperation agreements support knowledge exchange with leading AI nations. Serbia's participation in the UNESCO Recommendation on AI Ethics demonstrates commitment to global ethical standards. The Belgrade Ministerial Declaration (2024) during Serbia's GPAI presidency further advanced international AI cooperation frameworks.

Implementation Timeline

Sources and References