Planned 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.
How it drifts
The pilot becomes politically useful because it signals action while postponing adoption, rejection or funding.
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?
Comment carefully
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