AI to Help Select Young Talent in Russia
A pilot project in Saint Petersburg is testing a neural network to screen applications for the Youth Talent Pool. This initiative could mark the beginning of a new era in the country's HR sector.
A Key Government Case
In Saint Petersburg, a pilot test has begun for a neural network developed by the city's Committee on Informatization and Communications in collaboration with ITMO University. The system is designed to select candidates for the Youth Talent Pool by evaluating seven parameters, including biography, work experience, and the accuracy of application forms.
The process works as follows: once applications are collected, they are passed to the “Gennady” robotic panel (operating since 2023), which forwards them to the AI for analysis and then incorporates the suggested adjustments.
At present, the neural network is being piloted exclusively for the Youth Talent Pool in Saint Petersburg. However, this is more than just an example of successful cooperation between ITMO and the city government — it is also the first public-sector case of deploying neural networks in HR. If successful, this solution could be scaled nationwide.
Implementing this approach could reduce the administrative workload, streamline and accelerate the initial screening of candidates, and minimize bureaucracy in public administration. Automation is also likely to increase transparency and objectivity in recruitment.
Neural Network for Export
The range of functions for the new neural network is expected to expand. Potential future capabilities include deeper motivation analysis, verification of educational documents (diplomas, certificates), and assigning applicant status based on profile. The technology could also be extended to other areas of public administration.
Its application could be adapted for other Russian cities and regions, and potentially even exported as a digital HR solution for foreign public services.
AI-HR in Retail and Education
The idea of automating HR processes is not new. For example, X5 Retail Group (operator of the “Pyaterochka” grocery chain) already uses the Vera and Yermil recruitment robots for initial candidate screening. At ITMO University, as well as at the Higher School of Economics, AI tools are widely used — including in thesis writing. Students are also being trained in prompt engineering.
This technology is a priority at the federal level as well. The national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation” (2025–2030) includes an “Artificial Intelligence” program with a dedicated HR component for public administration, overseen by Dmitry Grigorenko.
The project’s budget exceeds 1 trillion rubles. Russia’s 2019 AI development strategy, approved by the President, emphasized the digitalization of public administration and the safety oversight of AI-driven decisions.
A Future Part of the National Project
The Saint Petersburg pilot project has the potential to showcase AI’s capabilities in HR on a federal scale. With expanded functionality and geographic coverage, it could become part of the “Data Economy” national project. However, successful automation will require addressing potential risks — such as algorithm errors, candidate resistance, quality control requirements, and the need for fully transparent selection criteria.
