Do we need to hire our own AI experts?

That depends on your ambitions and your use cases.

For many applications, a large in-house AI team is not necessary. Standardized automations or AI assistant solutions can be successfully implemented with external support and a clear architecture. Other initiatives, such as data-driven core products or custom model development, require highly specialized expertise.

The strategic question is: as digital value creation increases, is your company becoming more like a software company? If so, you will need your own technical excellence over time, not only for AI but for development, architecture, and operations. At the same time, strategic partnerships play a central role in maintaining speed, quality, and scalability.

Hiring a single AI expert does not solve the challenge. An AI expert is part of a system of roles, expertise, technology, and processes. Without clear leadership, priorities, and a development structure, impact remains limited.

The decision to build in-house capability should therefore be made deliberately, aligned with your strategic ambition, your value creation depth, and your long-term positioning. A strategic partnership with PLAN D eases this path without requiring large upfront investments in your own structures.