Montenegro is incorporating artificial intelligence into its economic-development discussions as policymakers seek new growth opportunities beyond the country’s traditional dependence on tourism, real estate and construction. President Jakov Milatović met with Peter Sarlin, founder of Silo AI and professor at Aalto University, to discuss cooperation between Montenegrin talent and European technology centres, support for domestic technology companies and potential applications of artificial intelligence in public institutions.
No investment programme, financing commitment or new institution was announced following the meeting. The discussions, however, focused on the role of technology in developing higher-value economic activities.
Digital Potential and Public-Sector Applications
Montenegro has several factors that could support digital development, including a relatively small public administration, the use of the euro, improving digital connectivity and a diaspora with experience in European and North American technology markets. The country’s size may also allow faster testing and implementation of digital solutions. Potential applications of artificial intelligence include tourism forecasting, traffic management, electricity-demand analysis, tax-risk assessment, healthcare administration and digital public services.
Private-sector companies such as banks, telecommunications operators and large retailers could apply similar technologies for fraud detection, customer management and operational planning.
Focus on Export-Oriented Technology Services
The main economic opportunity identified through AI development is creating exportable digital services rather than only adopting imported software solutions. To achieve this, Montenegro would need companies capable of developing, integrating and maintaining artificial intelligence systems for regional and European markets.
This would require stronger cooperation between universities, applied research institutions and private businesses. While higher-education institutions can train engineers and data specialists, local projects and employment opportunities are needed to retain graduates in the country.
Talent Development and Labour Market Challenges
Montenegro faces competition from much larger labour markets for experienced software developers. Remote work provides local technology professionals with access to international employers while remaining in the country, but it also creates challenges for domestic companies competing with global salary levels. A technology strategy focused on specialised areas could provide more realistic opportunities than attempting to build a broad technology ecosystem similar to those of larger economies.
Potential sectors include energy, tourism, maritime services, environmental monitoring and public administration, where Montenegro already has existing data sources and commercial needs.
Infrastructure and Digital Governance Requirements
The development of AI-based services depends on supporting infrastructure, including data quality, cybersecurity, cloud access, reliable electricity supply and transparent public-procurement procedures.
Government institutions also need to address basic digitalisation challenges before implementing advanced artificial intelligence tools. Organisations with fragmented databases, incompatible systems and weak data management practices cannot achieve efficiency gains solely through the introduction of AI applications. The meeting with Peter Sarlin represents an early step in linking Montenegro’s economic-diversification agenda with technology development, talent creation and European research networks.
Montenegro’s approach is focused on developing a limited number of competitive, export-oriented technology businesses connected to sectors where the country already has available expertise and market demand.
