The demand for artificial intelligence (AI) specialists in Russia is outpacing supply, with nearly 200,000 job vacancies posted in 2025 alone. This marks an 18% increase compared to the previous year, reflecting the urgent need for skilled professionals in the growing AI sector. According to J’son Partners Consulting, the Russian economy's requirement for AI talent is set to rise significantly, with job postings for IT engineers, developers, system architects, and data analysts becoming increasingly common.
Despite the boom in job openings, the supply of qualified AI specialists is not keeping pace. Estimates suggest that there are currently between 100,000 and 120,000 professionals in the field, a modest increase of 15% from 2024. However, only 1,000 to 3,000 of these individuals are focused specifically on machine learning, while the majority are data science experts. The overall growth of IT professionals in Russia has surpassed 1.15 million, yet the shortage of high-skilled AI specialists remains a pressing issue.
The rapid rise in demand is driven by the expanding use of AI across various industries, including banking, telecommunications, retail, and healthcare. Companies are competing fiercely for a limited pool of talent, with estimates indicating that for every one fully qualified AI specialist, there are three to four candidates lacking practical experience or a comprehensive understanding of business needs.
Efforts to bridge this gap have led to increased involvement from technology firms in educational programs, with significant investments being made to train new AI professionals. Initiatives such as the AI360 program, launched by major companies and top universities, aim to develop the required skill sets among both aspiring AI architects and researchers.
Moving forward, the persistent gap between AI job vacancies and qualified candidates hints at a critical challenge for businesses and educational institutions alike, as they strive to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the tech landscape. This situation presents both opportunities and challenges for competitors in the market, as companies may need to invest more in training and development to secure the talent necessary for future growth.
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