Application of Artificial Intelligence-Based Digital Technologies in Education – BrAIn

Application of Artificial Intelligence-Based Digital Technologies in Education – BrAIn is Croatia's first national, systemic initiative to embed artificial intelligence into primary and secondary education through an ethical, evidence-driven, and human-centric approach. Led by the Croatian Academic and Research Network (CARNET), under the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, the project was launched to address a critical  national challenge: a significant digital skills gap, ICT specialist numbers below the EU average, and an education system unprepared for the rapid integration of AI technologies.

Get to know the initiative

BrAIn goes beyond simple technology adoption. It fundamentally transforms how education is delivered, experienced, and safeguarded. The project addresses four interconnected challenges: closing the digital skills gap through comprehensive AI curricula and professional development; modernising educational programmes to integrate emerging digital technologies such as AI in line with international standards; reducing regional disparities by ensuring all students, regardless of location, have access to quality digital tools and resources; and strengthening cybersecurity across the national education infrastructure through AI-powered threat detection aligned with the EU NIS2 Directive.

At its core, BrAIn has developed official AI curricula for extracurricular activities (grades 5–6 and 7–8) and elective subjects (secondary school grades 1–2), now actively implemented in 240 primary and secondary schools by 370 educators. A Smart Recommendation System provides personalised learning insights by analysing student achievements and learning patterns, enabling teachers to adapt to individual needs. An integrated communication platform connects students, teachers, and parents, providing data-driven insights for better decision-making.

Why is this a good initiative?

Crucially, the entire technological transformation is anchored in rigorous developmental psychology. A landmark mixed-method baseline study, led by the Catholic University of Croatia, involved 46 schools, 3,913 students, 924 parents, and 382 teachers. Its evidence-based findings directly shaped a 360-degree suite of published and validated national guidelines for all stakeholders – students, teachers, parents, principals, and public authorities – ensuring that AI integration actively protects cognitive development and student well-being.

BrAIn has achieved substantial progress. 427 education professionals participated in development activities, 
surpassing the target of 300. 27 out of 70 planned AI educational activities have been organised, including a 
"Teachers for Teachers" webinar series with 2028 participants. Three AI curricula are active in 240 schools with 
370 educators. The communication platform is fully operational. The project is recognised by OECD and 
European Schoolnet as a reference model.

Advanced AIOps infrastructure ensures high availability of national educational network services, while AI-driven cybersecurity systems protect sensitive educational data. The result is a scalable national ecosystem where students develop digital competencies, teachers receive continuous support, and the entire educational community benefits from personalised, secure, and effective learning, already recognised by the OECD and European Schoolnet as a reference model for AI education reform.