Digital Transformation of Industrial Sectors
Mihailo Jovanović, who served as Serbia’s Minister of Information and Telecommunications until the cabinet transition in May 2024, has shifted his focus toward the digital transformation of industrial sectors. Speaking on the integration of emerging technologies, Jovanović identified the construction sector as a primary beneficiary of machine learning and data analytics.
According to his analysis, the construction industry has historically struggled with fragmented data and slow adoption of digital workflows. Jovanović argues that the implementation of AI-driven platforms allows for better project management, predictive maintenance of heavy machinery, and more accurate environmental impact assessments. By utilizing digital twins—virtual replicas of physical buildings—firms can simulate construction sequences before breaking ground, a process Jovanović describes as a necessary evolution for modern engineering firms.
Automated Systems and Site Safety Protocols
A central theme in Jovanović’s perspective is the transition from traditional manual reporting to automated, data-centric systems. He points to the potential for AI to optimize supply chain logistics, ensuring that materials arrive exactly when needed, thereby reducing waste and site idle time.
> AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a functional tool that allows us to manage complex infrastructure projects with a level of precision that was previously unattainable. The next phase of the construction industry is defined by how effectively we integrate these algorithms into daily operations.
Mihailo Jovanović, former Minister of Information and Telecommunications
This perspective aligns with broader industry trends observed in 2026, where firms are increasingly adopting AI for safety monitoring. Computer vision systems are now being deployed on job sites to track worker safety and identify hazards in real-time, a development Jovanović has consistently advocated for in his public commentary on digital policy.
Bridging the Gap for Small-Scale Contractors
While Jovanović frames AI as a catalyst for growth, there remains a notable contrast between the rapid pace of technological innovation and the speed of regulatory implementation. During his tenure as Minister, Jovanović was instrumental in developing the Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in the Republic of Serbia for the 2020–2025 period. That strategy laid the groundwork for state-sponsored research, but the practical application in the private construction sector has often lagged behind initial projections.
Industry analysts suggest that the primary barrier remains the high cost of implementation for small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While large-scale international firms operating in the Balkans have adopted AI-powered BIM (Building Information Modeling) software, local contractors face a steeper learning curve. Jovanović maintains that the government’s role should be to provide the infrastructure—such as high-speed connectivity and data centers—that enables these smaller firms to access cloud-based AI tools without the need for massive upfront capital investment.
Workforce Reskilling and Long-Term Competitiveness
As of June 2026, the focus has shifted from establishing basic digital connectivity to maximizing the utility of the existing network. Jovanović’s ongoing advocacy suggests that the next two years will be critical for determining whether the construction sector can successfully pivot to autonomous and AI-assisted workflows.
The success of this transition, according to recent sector reports, will depend on workforce reskilling. Jovanović has frequently noted that technology is only as effective as the people operating it. He advocates for partnerships between technical universities and private construction companies to ensure that the next generation of engineers is proficient in both traditional structural design and modern data-driven project management.
While the adoption of these technologies is not yet universal, the emphasis placed on AI by former officials like Jovanović reflects a broader consensus among regional policymakers that digital maturity is a prerequisite for long-term economic competitiveness in the construction market. Future developments will likely center on the standardization of data formats, which would allow different software platforms to communicate more effectively, further reducing the friction currently hindering widespread adoption.
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