Why "move fast and break things" doesn't work for government

In the tech world, companies often follow the motto "Move fast and break things." This approach encourages quick changes, rapid development, and testing ideas by putting them into the real world—even if that means things sometimes fail. While this can work in the private sector, it is not how government should operate.

What "move fast and break things" means

Big tech companies and startups use this approach to stay ahead of competitors. They launch new features quickly and fix problems as they go. If a social media app crashes or a website has a glitch, it might be annoying—but usually, no one is seriously harmed.

Now imagine using the same approach for government services:

• What if Social Security payments don’t go out on time?
• What if a glitch in a government website wrongly denies people healthcare?
• What if a mistake in tax software makes thousands of people owe more than they should?

Unlike a private company, the government has a duty to serve everyone fairly and correctly every time--not just most of the time.

The government’s mission is different

The government’s job is to provide stable, reliable, and fair services for all people, especially those who rely on them the most. Many of these services—like healthcare, disaster relief, and financial aid—are essential for survival. Mistakes can have serious consequences.

Because of this, government must prioritize:

• Accuracy – Systems need to work correctly the first time.
• Equity – Services must be fair and available to everyone, not just those who are tech-savvy or privileged.
• Security – People’s personal information and identities must be protected at all costs.

Rushing to build new systems without careful planning can cause real harm to real people.

Private sector models that work in government

Not all private sector companies follow “move fast and break things.” Some industries—like banking, healthcare, and aviation—have to balance innovation with stability because failure in these sectors can have serious consequences.

For example:

• Banks handle millions of transactions daily, but they can’t afford to “break things” when dealing with people’s money. Instead, they build resilient systems that scale while maintaining accuracy and security.
• Healthcare technology companies work to improve patient care through better data-sharing and AI, but they must meet strict regulations to ensure patient safety.
• Airlines use advanced software to manage flight schedules and safety protocols, but every change undergoes rigorous testing to avoid errors that could put lives at risk.

Government systems need to take a similar approach—building scalable and resilient solutions that improve services without putting people at risk or denying them the help and assistance they are owed.

The bottom line

Tech companies are built to take risks and move quickly. The government is built to serve all people safely and equitably. While government should embrace modern technology and modern practices, it must do so in a way that prioritizes stability, accuracy, and trust—not just speed.