Croatian Academic and Research Network – CARNET is a public institution operating within the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth in the field of digital technology and its application in education. CARNET began operating in 1991 as a project of the then Ministry of Science and Technology and became the first and only provider of Internet services in Croatia. Four years later, the Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted the Decree on the establishment of CARNET institution with the aim of innovating the education system and encouraging the progress of individuals and the society as a whole through ICT (information and communication technology).
CARNET network is a private network of the academic, scientific and research community of the Republic of Croatia, as well as the institution within the primary and secondary education system. Our services are available to primary and secondary schools, institutions from the science and higher education institutions, as well as to numerous public institutions such as certain ministries, hospitals, etc. 4130 locations across Croatia are connected to CARNET network. Our individual users are students, teachers, professors, scientists and other staff members of CARNET members, and all citizens of the Republic of Croatia in the segment of security on the Internet.
Following the latest trends in ICT, infrastructure and education over the years, we have devised a number of projects and developed new services. Currently, we offer more than 70 services, from education and training to multimedia, computer security and customer support. They access all services through the electronic identity in the AAI@EduHr system. In addition, we provide user support for the systems of the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth – e-Matica and the National Information System for Applications and Enrollments into Secondary Schools. For accessing e-Citizens system we have developed e-Citizens mToken credential. Our most popular service is e-Class Register – a web application for the management of the class register in electronic form, which is used by most schools in the Republic of Croatia.
With the aim of building a digitally mature society, from 2015 to 2023, we have implemented the program “e-Schools: Comprehensive digitization of school operations and teaching processes to create digitally mature schools for the 21st century.”
CARNET also participates in a number of international activities and cooperates with other European academic and research networks, the GÉANT Association organization and the organizations responsible for managing the internet resources in the world.
In 2023 CARNET launched the BrAIn Project, set to run until 2029. It ensures continuous development and implementation of innovative solutions in the education system through key activities: integration of artificial intelligence, creation of curricula for primary and secondary schools, development of a smart recommendation system for personalized learning, improvement of cybersecurity, and automation of network monitoring. The curriculum “Artificial Intelligence: From Concept to Application” equips students with practical skills in technology, critical thinking on the use of AI, and its ethical and societal implications. Experimental implementation began in the 2024/2025 school year. The smart recommendation system leverages data mining and predictive analytics to help teachers and parents monitor student performance and results, and tailor their approach to the individual’s needs. The project also includes the development of a virtual assistant that facilitates an interactive and adaptive learning environment.