Operating Models
Choosing Your Model
A decision framework to help you select the right AI governance structure.
Decision Framework
Use the following factors to guide your choice of operating model.
Organization Size
| Size | Recommended Starting Model |
|---|---|
| Under 500 employees | Centralized |
| 500–5,000 employees | Hybrid |
| Over 5,000 employees | Federated or Hybrid |
AI Maturity
| Stage | Description | Recommended Model |
|---|---|---|
| Exploring | Fewer than 5 AI projects, mostly experimental | Centralized (lightweight) |
| Scaling | 5–20 AI systems, some in production | Hybrid |
| Embedded | AI widely used across business units | Federated with central policy |
Regulatory Pressure
If your organization operates in a heavily regulated sector (healthcare, finance, government) or under the EU AI Act's high-risk obligations, you will likely need more structured governance earlier. Lean toward hybrid or federated models with formal records.
Decision Matrix
| Factor | Centralized | Hybrid | Federated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed to stand up | Fast | Medium | Slower |
| Scales with AI adoption | Limited | Good | Best |
| Domain expertise | Limited | Good (via champions) | Best |
| Consistency | Best | Good | Requires effort |
| Overhead | Low | Medium | Higher |
Start Simple, Evolve
Most organizations should start with a centralized or lightweight hybrid model and evolve toward federation as AI adoption grows. The toolkit is designed to support this evolution. The same charter, intake, and review artifacts work across all three models.