Draft pattern
The Pilot Never Lands
A trial continues indefinitely because ending it would force a real decision.
How it starts
A pilot is a sensible way to learn without committing too early. It gives people permission to try something with less theatre and less risk.
How it drifts
The pilot becomes politically useful because it signals action while postponing adoption, rejection or funding. It is neither success nor failure, which makes it strangely comfortable.
Why it survives
Ending the pilot would force a decision about ownership, money, standards and whether the trial actually proved anything. Keeping it going avoids that awkward bill.
What to watch
Look for pilots with no decision date, no exit criteria and no owner for what happens next.
Questions worth asking
- What decision is this pilot meant to enable?
- What evidence would end it?
- Who funds the next state?
- What has the pilot already taught us that we are avoiding?
Comment carefully
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