Looking ahead, experts say neural networks could reshape the job landscape, potentially reducing demand for specialists such as accountants, lawyers, designers, copywriters, and marketers. This view emerged from discussions with senior managers and department heads at several Russian companies, as reported by DEA News based on data from Zarplata.ru researchers.
The survey reveals that 18% of respondents anticipate that neural networks may eventually fully replace professionals across a broad set of roles. This figure highlights a belief in rapid automation among a portion of leaders, though many acknowledge a more gradual transition.
Conversations in the study show a spectrum of expectations. About 47% think replacement could happen, but not in the near term. An additional 24% believe that neural networks will not fully substitute workers; instead, they will take on a number of tasks and augment human work. In contrast, 9% express skepticism about the prospect of complete replacement and remain confident in the continued central role of people in their positions.
When asked which roles might be most affected, managers cited designers with 53% believing in potential automation, followed by marketers at 46% and copywriters at 45%. Programmers and logisticians were viewed as likely candidates for neural network assistance by 42% of respondents each. Accountants were named by 33%, sales managers by 27%, and lawyers by 15% as positions potentially influenced by advancing AI systems.
The discussion aligns with broader developments in language models and AI assistants that keep drawing attention from business leaders. A newer iteration of a prominent AI chatbot has been publicly discussed as showing the capability to handle tasks that have traditionally required human input, prompting ongoing conversations about which jobs might evolve as these tools become more capable and integrated into daily work. The consensus in the survey, however, emphasizes a future in which AI serves as a powerful support, rather than an outright replacement, for many professional functions. This nuanced view reflects the real-world dynamics of automation, where technology augments decision-making, speeds up routine processes, and frees humans to tackle more strategic work. In the end, the sector’s leaders appear to be preparing for a period of accelerated automation, while still valuing the uniquely human skills that drive creativity, negotiation, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving. The study thus paints a cautious but forward-looking portrait of how AI may reshape the professional toolkit across industries, including accounting, law, design, marketing, and beyond.