The Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro, in collaboration with the ReSPA, conducted a two-day online training titled “Use, Processing and Protection of Data.”  Held on July 29–30, the event brought together nearly 30 public sector professionals from the Ministry and other government institutions to improve institutional understanding and use of data throughout its lifecycl, as a part of the programme provided by eAcademy.

The training aligns with the shared mission of ReSPA and the Ministry to build institutional capacities in digital governance, equipping public administrations with the knowledge and tools needed to manage data ethically, securely, and effectively.

Covering essential topics, the training will become part of the eAcademy program to be shared with a broader public administration audience, laying the groundwork for a culture of data-driven innovation, trustworthy AI development, and responsible digital transformation.

Jelena Perovic from the Ministry of Public Administration noticed: “For eAcademy, this training marks a crucial step toward strengthening our institutional capacity to manage and utilise data as a strategic resource. We see data not just as a technical asset but as a foundation for responsible AI development and evidence-based decision-making.”

Day 1 was devoted to introducing Data Governance Frameworks, including DAMA and FAIR principles, with a focus on their relevance in public sector environments. Additionally, it covered Data Quality Essentials, including tools, techniques, and metrics for maintaining data accuracy, reliability, and consistency.

The second day, participants delved into several important topics:

• Findable & Accessible Data: Best practices in metadata usage and public sector data cataloguing.
• Interoperability: Exploring strategies and standards for connecting data systems across institutions.
• AI and Data Analysis: How structured data supports automation and advanced analytics in governance.
• Data Licensing & Protection: Legal and procedural insights on data reuse, licensing, and privacy safeguards.

“The webinar provided participants with a structured understanding of data governance, emphasising metadata, interoperability, and AI as vital pillars of future-ready public institutions,” noted lecturer Oscar Corsho.

Bojana Bajić from ReSPA underlined: “As digital transformation accelerates, public administrations must evolve from being passive holders of information and data to active managers of high-quality, interoperable, and secure data. This is not just a technical requirement but a foundation for better policymaking, transparent governance, and effective public service delivery”.

This capacity-building effort not only enriched participants' technical expertise but also reinforced a broader cultural shift toward data-driven governance. By equipping civil servants with practical tools and international best practices, the collaboration between ReSPA and the Ministry paves the way for more transparent, responsive, and effective public administration.