EIB, Central Bank Push AI Adoption in Croatia to Boost Competitiveness and Jobs

Croatia is accelerating its push toward an artificial intelligence-driven economy, as the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group and the Croatian National Bank (HNB) convened top policymakers, financial institutions, and industry leaders to chart a roadmap for scaling AI adoption and unlocking long-term economic growth.

The high-level conference—"Shaping Croatia's AI-Ready Economy: Financing, Skills and Policies"—highlighted AI as a critical driver of productivity, job creation, and competitiveness, while also exposing significant gaps that must be urgently addressed.

AI as a Growth Engine—But Adoption Lags

Despite strong investment activity among Croatian firms, adoption of advanced technologies remains uneven.

Key findings from the EIB Investment Survey 2025 show:

• 89% of Croatian firms are investing, slightly above the EU average

• However, only around 20% systematically use generative AI

• AI usage is largely limited to internal processes, with limited integration into core business models

This gap points to significant untapped potential for productivity gains and economic transformation.

"Croatia has the skills and technology base to accelerate AI adoption," said EIB Chief Economist Debora Revoltella. "Doing so will be key to moving toward higher value-added activities and strengthening global competitiveness."

Three Pillars for an AI-Ready Economy

Discussions at the conference centred on three critical pillars needed to unlock AI's full potential:

1. Financing: Expanding access to capital, particularly for startups and SMEs

2. Skills: Addressing shortages in digital and AI-related expertise

3. Policy and Regulation: Creating clear frameworks to support innovation while managing risks

Croatian National Bank Governor Boris Vujčić noted that many firms—especially smaller ones—face barriers such as:

• Limited access to finance

• Shortage of skilled workers

• Fragmented data ecosystems

• Regulatory uncertainty

Balancing Innovation and Risk

While the conference strongly endorsed AI adoption, policymakers also stressed the need for caution.

"AI should be embraced—but with both ambition and caution," Vujčić said, pointing to risks such as overreliance on automation and potential labour market disruptions.

EIB's €70 Billion Push for Europe's AI Future

The EIB Group is positioning itself at the centre of Europe's AI transformation through its flagship TechEU programme, which aims to:

• Provide €70 billion in financing (2025–2027)

• Mobilise up to €250 billion in total investment

• Support sectors including AI, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure

In 2025 alone, the EIB delivered over €22 billion in innovation financing, including AI-driven technologies.

The bank is also supporting the EU's InvestAI initiative, which seeks to mobilise €20 billion to build up to five AI gigafactories across Europe.

Structural Reforms Needed for Scale

The EIB Investment Report 2025/2026 outlines broader reforms needed to accelerate AI adoption:

• Completion of the EU Single Market to unlock cross-border opportunities

• Development of a Savings and Investments Union to simplify financing

• Reduction of bureaucratic barriers to digitalisation

• Increased co-investment in skills development

These measures are seen as essential to enabling firms—particularly SMEs—to scale AI solutions effectively.

A Strategic Moment for Croatia

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tomislav Ćorić emphasised that AI adoption is not just a technological shift but a strategic economic priority.

EIB Vice-President Marko Primorac added that sustained investment and collaboration between public and private sectors will be key to success.

"Accelerating AI adoption is essential for Croatia's long-term competitiveness," he said.

The conference signals a turning point in Croatia's digital transformation journey. While the country shows strong investment momentum, bridging the gap in AI adoption will require coordinated action across finance, skills, and policy.

If successful, Croatia could leverage AI to boost productivity, create higher-quality jobs, and strengthen its position in European and global value chains—transforming its economy for the digital age.