Serbia’s digital transformation is accelerating the development of eGovernment and artificial intelligence, enabling citizens and businesses easier access to services and increased administrative efficiency
Dr Mihailo Jovanović, Director of the Office for IT and eGovernment, reflected on key public administration digitisation projects in Serbia. Through the introduction of new eGovernment services, the application of artificial intelligence, and the development of infrastructural resources such as the Government Data Centre in Kragujevac, the plan is to enhance services for citizens and businesses, all aimed at increasing the efficiency and transparency of the administrative system.
The digitisation of public administration in Serbia is becoming more comprehensive. What are the key new eGovernment services planned for citizens and businesses in the near future, and how will they contribute to the efficiency and transparency of administration?
— Nearly 2.5 million eCitizens are registered on the eGovernment Portal, using hundreds of different electronic services by accessing the eGovernment Portal as well as many other government portals. In the coming period, the focus of the Office for IT and eGovernment is to make electronic services and the eGovernment Portal available on mobile phones, so that services are more accessible and easier for all citizens to use.
Our focus is also on developing a Digital Wallet – a place where citizens will be able to store various personal documents and electronically signed documents in a special application on their mobile phones, further simplifying all administrative procedures for citizens.
Serbia is a leader in the region in applying artificial intelligence within public institutions. What are the specific examples of its use in government administration, and what role will the new artificial intelligence development strategy until 2030 play?
— Regarding the Office for IT and eGovernment and the eGovernment Portal, an AI assistant is being prepared, which will allow citizens not only to find information but also to use eGovernment services in a new and simpler way. This virtual assistant will provide citizens with quick and accurate answers to questions, as well as support when using services on the eGovernment Portal. We already apply artificial intelligence in medicine when analysing various screenings. The artificial intelligence development strategy until 2030 ensures that our country follows modern trends and serves as a basis for further developing the regulatory framework – the Artificial Intelligence Law.
Nearly 2.5 million ecitizens are registered on the egovernment portal, using hundreds of different electronic services by accessing the egovernment portal as well as many other government portals
A Working Group has been formed to draft this Law, with the task of creating a document that will be aligned with European Union legislation, while also adjusting it to the specificities of the AI ecosystem in Serbia. In line with the new strategy, we will also invest significant funds in expanding the National Platform for the Development of Artificial Intelligence – a supercomputer, which we aim to offer to small and medium- sized enterprises to help them develop their own solutions. We will continue to improve our cooperation with leading AI companies and researchers worldwide, with the aim of becoming a regional centre for AI innovation.
The Government Data Centre in Kragujevac is becoming a key technological and infrastructural resource for Serbia. How will its further expansion, alongside the construction of the Innovation District, affect the development of the IT sector, investment attraction, and the country’s research potential?
— The Government Data Centre in Kragujevac has become the backbone of Serbia’s digital transformation, and its expansion through the construction of the Innovation District marks a turning point in the further development of the IT sector, economy, and science. This unique complex in the region, which will cover more than 4 hectares, will combine business, research, and educational spaces, with advanced centres for bioinformatics, a centre for the development of smart energy systems, as well as a National Centre for Information Security.
The first phase, with 4,700 m2 of business space and a 10,000 m2 garage, will be completed by 2025, while by 2027 a total of 35,000 m2 will be built, including two buildings for the users of the Government Data Centre and the central building – the “heart of the district.” In addition to attracting investment and creating new jobs for IT professionals, the district will also be a centre for innovation open to citizens. With the Science and Technology Park and the reconstructed building of the former Cereal Centre, it will combine historical heritage with technological future, positioning Kragujevac at the forefront of Serbia’s digital map.
Given the increasing digitisation of public services, how is Serbia preparing to ensure a high level of protection for citizens’ and institutions’ data from cyber threats? Are there plans for new legal solutions or technological improvements in this area?
— The Government of the Republic of Serbia has adopted the proposed Law on Information Security, which has been forwarded to the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia. This law envisages improving the regulatory framework to keep up with modern trends and ensure a secure environment in ICT systems. The proposed law also provides for the establishment of the Office for Information Security to handle tasks related to the prevention and protection from security risks and incidents in ICT systems in our country. We are proud of the progress made in enhancing information security in our country, with the establishment of a Security Operations Centre (SOC) team that ensures the safety of information systems located in the state cloud, in the Government Data Centre in Belgrade and Kragujevac, as well as in the systems of state institutions.
The government data centre in Kragujevac has become the backbone of Serbia’s digital transformation, and its expansion through the construction of the innovation district marks a turning point in the further development of the it sector, economy, and science
The key role in protecting the systems is played by the team of engineers and analysts, who are responsible for analysing, detecting, and preventing cybersecurity incidents, working 24/7. Additionally, we are one of the first countries in Europe to apply AI in the field of information security for defence purposes. The Office for IT and eGovernment uses AI as a tool to assist engineers in solving information security problems. In fact, AI helps us interpret events and define recommendations for responding to security incidents.
How is Serbia preparing to support Expo 2027 in Belgrade with its digital infrastructure?
— At the end of April this year, ahead of EXPO 2027, all foreign nationals will be able to apply for an electronic visa via the Foreigners Portal (Welcome to Serbia). This will allow people from around the world to quickly and easily submit a visa application online, without needing to visit consular offices. The visas will be electronically stamped and delivered via email. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is one of the first institutions in the Republic of Serbia to begin using the eStamp in the cloud, the latest technical solution of eGovernment, which significantly simplifies and speeds up the electronic visa issuance process. This is a significant step forward in the further digital transformation of the Republic of Serbia and in facilitating the arrival of foreigners into our country, which will host the EXPO 2027 specialised exhibition in less than two years. Additionally, we have quickly launched an informational platform to support the organisation of EXPO 2027, which is stored in the Government Data Centre in Kragujevac.