Build or buy? Smart CIOs know the answer for AI talent

The article reveals that AI talent scarcity—not technology availability—has become the primary bottleneck to successful AI deployment, forcing CIOs to shift from external hiring to comprehensive internal upskilling programs. Organizations that invest in retraining existing staff across all levels (builders, makers, and power users) gain competitive advantage, as business acumen and domain expertise often matter more than deep AI specialization. CIOs must treat workforce transformation as a strategic imperative and organizational capability, fundamentally changing how work gets done rather than simply acquiring tools.