AI Talent Strategy: Build, Buy, or Partner?

The talent gap

AI talent is expensive and scarce. The question isn't whether you need AI capability—it's how to get it without breaking the bank or stalling for years.

Build: Growing internal capability

When it makes sense:

• AI is core to your competitive strategy
• You need deep integration with proprietary systems
• You're committed to long-term AI investment

The reality:

• Takes 2-3 years to build meaningful capability
• Requires significant investment in hiring and retention
• Competes with tech companies for talent

Buy: Acquiring AI teams

When it makes sense:

• You need capability fast
• A target company has exactly what you need
• Cultural fit seems achievable

The reality:

• Acquired teams often leave within 18 months
• Integration is harder than expected
• Often more expensive than building

Partner: Working with external experts

When it makes sense:

• Exploring AI without long-term commitment
• Need specialized expertise for specific projects
• Want to move fast while building internal capability

The reality:

• Knowledge transfer is challenging
• Dependency risk if relationship ends
• Can be cost-effective for project-based work

The hybrid approach

Most successful organizations do all three:

1. Build a small core team focused on AI strategy and coordination
2. Partner with specialists for implementation
3. Acquire strategically when unique capability appears

The core team's job isn't to build everything—it's to make sure AI capability is deployed effectively, whether internal or external.

Upskilling existing employees

Don't overlook your current workforce. Domain experts who learn AI basics are often more valuable than AI experts who don't understand your business.