Montenegro Digital Transformation Strategy 2022–2026

Montenegro’s Digital Transformation Strategy 2022–2026 is both a roadmap and a political commitment to digitise governance, empower citizens and businesses, and harmonise national development with EU digital ambitions. It seeks to build a digitally capable society that ensures trust, accessibility, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Purpose and vision

This strategy recognises digital transformation not merely as a technological shift, but as a strategic driver of socioeconomic development, public sector reform, and EU accession. It integrates principles from EU frameworks such as the Digital Compass 2030, the European Data Strategy, the Digital Education Action Plan, and the European Industrial Strategy. It also incorporates goals from Montenegro’s national development documents, such as the National Sustainable Development Strategy and the Smart Specialisation Strategy.

Strategic directions

The strategy outlines key areas of intervention:

1. E-Government and service design
   The aim is to streamline public services using digital tools. Citizens should no longer navigate multiple institutions for information. Instead, the strategy envisions integrated, accessible services built on the once-only principle, reducing bureaucracy and paper-based processes.
2. Public administration reform
   It promotes paperless governance, interoperability among information systems, and highly sophisticated digital services. It emphasises user experience and citizen participation in service design.
3. Cybersecurity and trust services
   Strengthening institutional structures like CIRT and ensuring regulatory alignment with GDPR are central. Montenegro has qualified providers for e-signatures, seals, and other trust services.
4. Data management and open data
   A unified digital infrastructure for managing open data and enhancing data-driven policy-making is emphasised. The strategy aligns with EU directives for the reuse of public sector information.
5. Digital inclusion and skills
   Broad digital literacy programs are envisioned, targeting civil servants, youth, and marginalised populations. There’s also a focus on gender inclusion and increasing public awareness about digital rights and responsibilities.
6. Digital infrastructure and connectivity
   Infrastructure is treated as a foundational pillar—akin to utilities—emphasising the rollout of high-speed internet and resilient IT systems across urban and rural regions.
7. ICT sector development
   The strategy supports digital entrepreneurship, the growth of tech SMEs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with academia. It encourages participation in regional and EU markets and the creation of new digital business models.
8. Education and digital learning
   The strategy complements the Education Digitalisation Strategy 2022–2027 and supports full integration of digital tools across all levels of formal and informal education, including STEM and VET.

Governance and implementation

The strategy calls for robust coordination through a central digital transformation body that brings together government, private sector, academia, and civil society. Several councils and working groups—like the Council for Information Security, the Council for Electronic Government, and sectoral innovation committees—are involved.

It includes a 2022–2023 Action Plan to kickstart implementation and a monitoring mechanism to evaluate progress. Challenges identified in earlier strategies—like limited funding, insufficient coordination, and partial implementation—are directly addressed with more robust governance models and stakeholder participation.

International and regional integration

The strategy is closely tied to EU accession processes, particularly Chapter 10 on Information Society and Media. It reflects obligations under the EU’s Digital Decade, Open Data Directives, GDPR, and the Western Balkans’ Common Regional Market.