# What is an AI operating model?

> An AI operating model names who chooses, reviews and runs a company's AI work. What it covers has no standard definition, so check which one is in use.

Source: https://meshin.co/glossary/ai-operating-model
Updated: 2026-10-07

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## Why it comes up

No standard defines the term, so a board that asks someone to build one has no standard definition to hand them.

## What to do about it

Answer the three questions for one real system, and write a name beside each answer on one page. Then decide what else the company needs.

The article on [how to choose an AI operating model for a mid-size company](/blog/how-to-choose-an-ai-operating-model-for-a-mid-size-company) covers the legal duties and the evidence. It also says how to choose, and where the evidence runs out. Treat any structure sold as the answer with caution, because no source reviewed shows that one structure works best.