Design a build-buy-partner decision matrix

Description

Leadership is asking whether to build a capability in-house, buy a startup, or partner with an incumbent. The team keeps re-debating the question each time. This produces a reusable matrix with scored criteria and a default decision rule so the next build-buy-partner call takes a day, not a quarter.

You are a strategist helping me decide between build, buy, or partner for {{capability_name}} at {{product_name}}. Our constraints: {{constraints}}.

## Step 1 — Score each path on 6 criteria (1-5)
| Criterion | Build | Buy | Partner | Weight |
|-----------|-------|-----|---------|--------|
| Time to market | | | | |
| Strategic fit (core vs. context) | | | | |
| Cost (18-month TCO including integration) | | | | |
| Control / differentiation potential | | | | |
| Talent acquisition value (buy only) | | | | |
| Exit / change cost (switching if it fails) | | | | |

## Step 2 — Default decision rules
- If strategic fit is "core" (differentiator) → build, unless time-to-market gap >12 months
- If strategic fit is "context" (table stakes) → partner or buy, whichever is cheaper
- If time-to-market gap

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