ADVANCING THE INTEGRATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE CROATIAN HIGHER EDUCATION
Artificial Intelligence constitutes a pivotal driver of digital transformation, permeating all spheres of life and labor. In this paper, the authors focus on the modalities and implications of AI implementation within the higher education (HE). AI technologies have the potential to personalize learning experiences, automate administrative tasks, reduce workloads, provide real time feedback, and enhance student engagement. Concurrently, they pose risks regarding plagiarism, bias, and the erosion of academic integrity. This paper seeks to examine the extent of AI regulation and application within Croatian higher education and, based on the research findings, formulate recommendations for further systemic integration. The first part of the paper establishes a theoretical framework based on an analysis of AI implementation domains in HE. The second part presents the research findings concerning European states that have developed optimal policies and institutional practices for AI integration, based in the theoretical framework. The third part of the paper focuses on the scope of AI regulation within the Croatian context, encompassing both national and institutional levels. Furthermore, specific areas of AI utilization within HE are presented. The final part encompasses recommendations for the efficient implementation and responsible use of generative AI within Croatian universities, as well as other HE institutions where digital transformation remains in its nascent stages.
Keywords: artificial intelligence, Croatia, European practices, higher education, regulation and integration.
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