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Balam Labs
ISCO-08 1223

Research and development managers

87.2%
ADI · 84th of 433 · 95% interval 79.9–93.8

An AI agent can at least partly carry out 87.2% of the task time of research and development managers, and finish 0.0% alone. The barrier that holds most of the rest back is access to the systems the work runs on.

ADI · partial or full87.2%

84th of 433 · interval 79.9–93.8

ADI3 · full delegation0.0%

201st of 433 · interval 0.0–0.0

ADIs · share of time52.1%

112th of 433 · interval 49.9–54.2

Evidence107

task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 1.4 million.

Task weight by level

How the tasks rate

13%
87%
L0No meaningful role · 0.0%L1Augmentation · 12.7%L2Partial delegation · 87.2%L3Full delegation · 0.0%
Barriers

What stops the agent

Physical presence25%
Accountability45%
Trust and care41%
Access to systems74%

Share of task weight flagged by each barrier; a task can carry several.

107 task statements, heaviest first
Task statement (O*NET occupation)Sonnet · HaikuBarriers
Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.Architectural and Engineering Managers2.2%L2L2L248%6.0 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.Natural Sciences Managers1.8%L2L2L248%5.5 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Direct, review, or approve project design changes.Architectural and Engineering Managers1.8%L2L2L250%1.8 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Design or conduct applied biodiesel or biofuels research projects on topics, such as transport, thermodynamics, mixing, filtration, distillation, fermentation, extraction, and separation.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers1.8%L2L2L245%22 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.Natural Sciences Managers1.7%L2L2L250%5.0 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.Water Resource Specialists1.7%L2L2L260%10 hAccountability, Access to systems
Provide for stewardship of plant or animal resources or habitats, studying land use, monitoring animal populations, or providing shelter, resources, or medical treatment for animals.Natural Sciences Managers · supplemental task1.7%L1L1L235%6.0 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.Natural Sciences Managers1.7%L2L2L262%4.0 hAccountability, Access to systems
Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.Natural Sciences Managers1.7%L2L2L238%1.3 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Analyze data from biofuels studies, such as fluid dynamics, water treatments, or solvent extraction and recovery processes.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers1.6%L2L2L265%4.0 hAccess to systems
Provide technical or scientific guidance to technical staff in the conduct of biofuels research or development.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers1.5%L2L2L250%1.0 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.Natural Sciences Managers1.5%L1L1L240%3.5 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.Architectural and Engineering Managers1.4%L2L2L242%4.0 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Confer with management, production, or marketing staff to discuss project specifications or procedures.Architectural and Engineering Managers1.4%L2L2L238%52 minTrust and care
Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.Water Resource Specialists1.3%L2L2L260%6.0 hAccess to systems
Show the other 92 tasks
Task statement (O*NET occupation)Sonnet · HaikuBarriers
Conduct experiments on biomass or pretreatment technologies.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers1.3%L1L1L232%24 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.Water Resource Specialists1.3%L2L2L252%7.0 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Determine scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.Natural Sciences Managers1.3%L2L2L255%8.0 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Prepare, or oversee the preparation of, experimental plans for biofuels research or development.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers1.3%L2L2L262%6.0 hAccess to systems
Assess project feasibility by analyzing technology, resource needs, or market demand.Architectural and Engineering Managers1.3%L2L2L262%8.0 hAccess to systems
Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.Natural Sciences Managers1.3%L2L2L242%2.5 hTrust and care
Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.Water Resource Specialists1.2%L2L2L255%12 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Conduct own research in field of expertise.Natural Sciences Managers1.2%L2L2L248%22 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Develop plans to protect watershed health or rehabilitate watersheds.Water Resource Specialists1.2%L2L2L255%24 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Perform protein functional analysis and engineering for processing of feedstock and creation of biofuels.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers · supplemental task1.2%L2L2L250%6.0 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for engineering and technical work.Architectural and Engineering Managers1.2%L2L2L255%8.0 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Review or evaluate designs for water detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, or other hydraulic structures.Water Resource Specialists1.1%L2L2L260%4.0 hAccountability, Access to systems
Conduct research to breed or develop energy crops with improved biomass yield, environmental adaptability, pest resistance, production efficiency, bioprocessing characteristics, or reduced environmental impacts.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers · supplemental task1.1%L1L1L240%22 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Oversee biodiesel/biofuels prototyping or development projects.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers1.1%L2L2L242%5.5 hPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Conduct experiments to test new or alternate feedstock fermentation processes.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers1.1%L1L1L128%22 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Develop lab scale models of industrial scale processes, such as fermentation.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers1.1%L1L1L238%24 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Propose new biofuels products, processes, technologies or applications based on findings from applied biofuels or biomass research projects.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers1.1%L2L2L262%8.0 hAccess to systems
Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for the architectural, scientific, or technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance or operations enhancement.Natural Sciences Managers1.1%L2L2L262%7.0 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Write proposals, project reports, informational brochures, or other documents on wastewater purification, water supply and demand, or other water resource subjects.Water Resource Specialists1.1%L2L2L380%6.5 hAccess to systems
Conduct technical studies for water resources on topics such as pollutants and water treatment options.Water Resource Specialists1.1%L2L2L258%22 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients.Architectural and Engineering Managers1.1%L2L2L242%2.0 hTrust and care
Perform administrative functions, such as reviewing or writing reports, approving expenditures, enforcing rules, or purchasing of materials or services.Architectural and Engineering Managers1.0%L2L2L260%2.0 hAccountability, Access to systems
Recruit personnel or oversee the development or maintenance of staff competence.Natural Sciences Managers1.0%L2L2L248%6.0 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Prepare and administer budgets, approve and review expenditures, and prepare financial reports.Natural Sciences Managers1.0%L2L2L260%5.5 hAccountability, Access to systems
Review, recommend, or approve contracts or cost estimates.Architectural and Engineering Managers1.0%L2L2L262%2.5 hAccountability, Access to systems
Provide technical expertise to assist communities in the development or implementation of storm water monitoring or other water programs.Water Resource Specialists1.0%L2L2L252%6.0 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Compile water resource data, using geographic information systems (GIS) or global position systems (GPS) software.Water Resource Specialists1.0%L2L2L268%3.5 hAccess to systems
Prepare biofuels research and development reports for senior management or technical professionals.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers1.0%L2L2L268%5.0 hAccess to systems
Develop computational tools or approaches to improve biofuels research and development activities.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers · supplemental task0.9%L2L2L265%24 hAccess to systems
Plan or direct the installation, testing, operation, maintenance, or repair of facilities or equipment.Architectural and Engineering Managers · supplemental task0.9%L2L2L248%4.0 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Develop innovative technology or train staff for its implementation.Natural Sciences Managers0.9%L2L2L242%6.0 hPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Present water resource proposals to government, public interest groups, or community groups.Water Resource Specialists0.9%L1L1L240%3.0 hTrust and care
Develop methods to estimate the efficiency of biomass pretreatments.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers · supplemental task0.9%L2L2L255%8.0 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Prepare budgets, bids, or contracts.Architectural and Engineering Managers0.9%L2L2L260%6.5 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Conduct cost-benefit studies for watershed improvement projects or water management alternatives.Water Resource Specialists0.9%L2L2L268%26 hAccountability, Access to systems
Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, or discussions with physicians and nurses.Clinical Research Coordinators0.9%L2L2L258%50 minAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Plan, direct, or coordinate survey work with other project activities.Architectural and Engineering Managers · supplemental task0.9%L2L2L250%3.0 hAccountability, Trust and care
Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, chemical, physical, and biological water quality monitoring or sampling to ensure compliance with water quality standards.Water Resource Specialists0.9%L2L2L238%5.5 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Identify environmental threats or opportunities associated with the development and launch of new technologies.Architectural and Engineering Managers · supplemental task0.9%L2L2L268%3.5 hAccess to systems
Schedule subjects for appointments, procedures, or inpatient stays as required by study protocols.Clinical Research Coordinators0.9%L2L2L268%30 minTrust and care, Access to systems
Perform specific protocol procedures such as interviewing subjects, taking vital signs, and performing electrocardiograms.Clinical Research Coordinators0.9%L1L1L218%45 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Inform patients or caregivers about study aspects and outcomes to be expected.Clinical Research Coordinators0.8%L2L2L240%38 minAccountability, Trust and care
Prepare project proposals.Natural Sciences Managers0.8%L2L2L268%8.0 hAccess to systems
Monitor study activities to ensure compliance with protocols and with all relevant local, federal, and state regulatory and institutional polices.Clinical Research Coordinators0.8%L2L2L252%3.0 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Compile and maintain documentation on the health of a body of water.Water Resource Specialists0.8%L2L2L265%4.0 hAccountability, Access to systems
Maintain required records of study activity including case report forms, drug dispensation records, or regulatory forms.Clinical Research Coordinators0.8%L2L2L260%1.8 hAccountability, Access to systems
Design or execute solvent or product recovery experiments in laboratory or field settings.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers · supplemental task0.8%L2L2L242%5.5 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Identify and characterize specific causes or sources of water pollution.Water Resource Specialists0.8%L2L2L258%5.5 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Recommend new or revised policies, procedures, or regulations to support water resource or conservation goals.Water Resource Specialists0.8%L2L2L260%12 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Dispense medical devices or drugs, and calculate dosages and provide instructions as necessary.Clinical Research Coordinators · supplemental task0.8%L1L1L230%20 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Develop separation processes to recover biofuels.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers · supplemental task0.7%L2L2L245%24 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Oversee subject enrollment to ensure that informed consent is properly obtained and documented.Clinical Research Coordinators0.7%L2L2L242%1.3 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Track enrollment status of subjects and document dropout information such as dropout causes and subject contact efforts.Clinical Research Coordinators0.7%L2L2L265%38 minAccess to systems
Develop or implement programs to improve sustainability or reduce the environmental impacts of engineering or architecture activities or operations.Architectural and Engineering Managers0.7%L2L2L250%7.0 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Establish scientific or technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management.Architectural and Engineering Managers0.7%L1L1L238%3.5 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Prepare study-related documentation, such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, institutional review board documents, or progress reports.Clinical Research Coordinators0.7%L2L2L268%3.0 hAccountability, Access to systems
Solicit project support by conferring with officials or providing information to the public.Architectural and Engineering Managers · supplemental task0.7%L2L2L240%2.5 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Code, evaluate, or interpret collected study data.Clinical Research Coordinators0.7%L2L2L265%3.0 hAccountability, Access to systems
Develop or implement standardized water monitoring and assessment methods.Water Resource Specialists0.7%L2L2L258%8.0 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Evaluate the environmental impacts of engineering, architecture, or research and development activities.Architectural and Engineering Managers0.7%L2L2L260%6.5 hAccountability, Access to systems
Design chemical conversion processes, such as etherification, esterification, interesterification, transesterification, distillation, hydrogenation, oxidation or reduction of fats and oils, and vegetable oil refining.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers · supplemental task0.7%L2L2L252%6.0 hAccountability, Access to systems
Evaluate environmental regulations or social pressures related to environmental issues to inform strategic or operational decision-making.Architectural and Engineering Managers · supplemental task0.7%L2L2L262%3.5 hAccess to systems
Monitor water use, demand, or quality in a particular geographic area.Water Resource Specialists0.6%L2L2L258%3.5 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Direct recruitment, placement, and evaluation of architecture or engineering project staff.Architectural and Engineering Managers0.6%L2L2L248%9.0 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Communicate with laboratories or investigators regarding laboratory findings.Clinical Research Coordinators0.6%L2L2L260%30 minAccountability, Access to systems
Identify protocol problems, inform investigators of problems, or assist in problem resolution efforts, such as protocol revisions.Clinical Research Coordinators0.6%L2L2L258%2.0 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Develop methods to recover ethanol or other fuels from complex bioreactor liquid and gas streams.Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers · supplemental task0.6%L2L2L250%24 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Record adverse event and side effect data and confer with investigators regarding the reporting of events to oversight agencies.Clinical Research Coordinators0.6%L2L2L258%1.3 hAccountability, Access to systems
Interpret protocols and advise treating physicians on appropriate dosage modifications or treatment calculations based on patient characteristics.Clinical Research Coordinators · supplemental task0.6%L2L2L260%45 minAccountability, Access to systems
Direct the requisition, collection, labeling, storage, or shipment of specimens.Clinical Research Coordinators0.6%L2L2L240%1.1 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Contact outside health care providers and communicate with subjects to obtain follow-up information.Clinical Research Coordinators0.6%L2L2L260%38 minAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Instruct research staff in scientific and procedural aspects of studies including standards of care, informed consent procedures, or documentation procedures.Clinical Research Coordinators0.6%L2L2L255%1.8 hAccountability, Trust and care
Supervise teams of workers who capture water from wells and rivers.Water Resource Specialists0.6%L1L1L228%2.5 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Advise or assist in obtaining patents or meeting other legal requirements.Natural Sciences Managers · supplemental task0.6%L2L2L258%4.0 hAccountability
Make presentations at professional meetings to further knowledge in the field.Natural Sciences Managers0.6%L2L2L255%8.0 hPhysical presence, Trust and care
Review proposed study protocols to evaluate factors such as sample collection processes, data management plans, or potential subject risks.Clinical Research Coordinators0.6%L2L2L262%2.5 hAccountability
Collaborate with investigators to prepare presentations or reports of clinical study procedures, results, and conclusions.Clinical Research Coordinators0.6%L2L2L262%3.5 hAccountability, Access to systems
Maintain contact with sponsors to schedule and coordinate site visits or to answer questions about issues such as incomplete data.Clinical Research Coordinators0.6%L2L2L260%38 minTrust and care, Access to systems
Arrange for research study sites and determine staff or equipment availability.Clinical Research Coordinators · supplemental task0.5%L2L2L258%2.3 hAccess to systems
Order drugs or devices necessary for study completion.Clinical Research Coordinators0.5%L2L2L265%52 minAccountability, Access to systems
Identify methods for distributing purified wastewater into rivers, streams, or oceans.Water Resource Specialists · supplemental task0.5%L2L2L375%5.0 hAccountability, Access to systems
Register protocol patients with appropriate statistical centers as required.Clinical Research Coordinators · supplemental task0.5%L2L2L262%30 minAccountability, Access to systems
Organize space for study equipment and supplies.Clinical Research Coordinators0.5%L1L1L122%1.5 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Contact industry representatives to ensure equipment and software specifications necessary for successful study completion.Clinical Research Coordinators · supplemental task0.5%L2L2L262%1.8 hAccess to systems
Participate in the development of study protocols including guidelines for administration or data collection procedures.Clinical Research Coordinators0.5%L2L2L258%5.5 hAccountability, Access to systems
Negotiate for water rights with communities or water facilities to meet water supply demands.Water Resource Specialists0.5%L1L1L230%25 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Confer with health care professionals to determine the best recruitment practices for studies.Clinical Research Coordinators0.4%L2L2L242%2.0 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Prepare for or participate in quality assurance audits conducted by study sponsors, federal agencies, or specially designated review groups.Clinical Research Coordinators0.4%L2L2L245%8.0 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Solicit industry-sponsored trials through contacts and professional organizations.Clinical Research Coordinators · supplemental task0.4%L2L2L248%3.0 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Participate in preparation and management of research budgets and monetary disbursements.Clinical Research Coordinators · supplemental task0.4%L2L2L260%3.5 hAccountability, Access to systems
Review scientific literature, participate in continuing education activities, or attend conferences and seminars to maintain current knowledge of clinical studies affairs and issues.Clinical Research Coordinators0.4%L2L2L260%2.5 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Develop advertising and other informational materials to be used in subject recruitment.Clinical Research Coordinators0.3%L2L2L270%3.5 hAccountability, Access to systems

Level: consensus of the two models (the lower level when they disagree). Share: part of the task’s working time an agent could take over. Human time: minutes a competent person needs for one instance, as estimated by the models.

Against other measures

Exposure is not delegation

MeasureValuePercentilePct
ADI (this index)87.2%81
Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β0.49577
Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure1.13285
Webb (2020), AI patent exposure6861
Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure0.46385
Anthropic Economic Index, observed use0.04960

Earlier indices measure whether AI can touch a task; ADI measures how much of it an agent can carry out from a goal. – : the source does not cover this occupation.

Same sub-major group (12)

Neighbouring occupations

Dashed line: research and development managers (87.2%).

Cite this record
Text

Espinal Maya, Cristian, and Santiago Jiménez Londoño. 2026. ADI v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and MCP server. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918. Record: Research and development managers (ISCO-08 1223), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/1223

BibTeX
@misc{espinal2026adidata,
  title     = {{ADI} v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and {MCP} server},
  author    = {Espinal Maya, Cristian and Jim{\'e}nez Londo{\~n}o, Santiago},
  year      = {2026},
  publisher = {Zenodo},
  version   = {v2026.1},
  doi       = {10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
  url       = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
  note      = {Record: Research and development managers (ISCO-08 1223)}
}
Machine-readable

The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/1223.json.