Innovation in government isn’t always about groundbreaking ideas or cutting-edge technology. Sometimes, it’s about persistence. If you’ve ever proposed a new initiative only to hear “no” — or its close relatives, “that’s not how we do things” or “we don’t have the budget” — you’re not alone. Resistance to change is common in large organizations, but that doesn’t mean progress is impossible. Here’s how to push forward when “no” is the default answer.
Understand the ‘No’
Before strategizing your next move, take a moment to understand why you’re hearing “no.” Is it due to budget constraints? Fear of failure? Bureaucratic inertia? Resistance often stems from legitimate concerns, and recognizing them can help you tailor your approach.
For instance, when the U.S. Digital Service (USDS) was formed to modernize government technology, agencies initially resisted outside input. Instead of bulldozing through objections, USDS took time to understand internal concerns, demonstrating quick wins and proving value through collaboration rather than confrontation.
Build a Coalition of ‘Yes’
You don’t have to go it alone. Find allies — whether they’re forward-thinking leaders, frontline employees, or external stakeholders. Change is more likely when multiple voices advocate for it.
Consider the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), which streamlines cloud security approvals. It succeeded not because of a single champion, but because a coalition of agencies, private-sector partners, and lawmakers recognized the need for a shared solution.
Frame Innovation in Their Language
When making your case, align your proposal with leadership’s priorities. Does it cut costs? Improve efficiency? Reduce risk? Positioning innovation as a solution to existing problems increases the chances of buy-in.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) faced resistance when revamping its benefits platform. By demonstrating how digital transformation would enhance veteran services and reduce processing times, the agency overcame skepticism and secured the necessary support.
Start Small and Show Results
A full-scale overhaul can be overwhelming — and easy to reject. Instead, propose a pilot program or phased rollout. Demonstrating tangible benefits on a small scale makes it easier to expand later.
The City of Boston’s ‘New Urban Mechanics’ innovation team takes this approach by testing small-scale experiments in public services, gathering feedback, and iterating before implementing citywide changes. This incremental strategy helps mitigate risk and build credibility.
Use Data to Overcome Doubt
Nothing weakens resistance like hard evidence. Collect metrics, case studies, and success stories to support your argument. Show how similar initiatives have worked elsewhere and how they could translate to your agency.
For example, NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI) has leveraged crowdsourcing to solve complex problems. By presenting measurable outcomes — such as cost savings and increased solution speed — they have gained broader acceptance for open innovation approaches.
Be Persistent, but Adaptable
Not every idea will succeed on the first attempt. If you hit a roadblock, refine your pitch, adjust your strategy, and try again. Sometimes, timing is everything — what was a hard “no” today might be a “maybe” in six months.
Why It Matters
Innovation in government isn’t just about new ideas; it’s about making those ideas a reality despite resistance. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right approach — understanding objections, building allies, framing proposals strategically, starting small, using data, and staying persistent — you can turn “no” into “yes.” And in the process, you’ll help create a government that’s more effective, responsive, and ready for the future.
Tim is a seasoned executive with over 10 years of experience leading IdeaScale’s Public Sector and Defense business. He’s a trusted resource with deep knowledge of government and defense community innovation challenges, particularly in the area of nuclear nonproliferation. Tim spearheads global expansion efforts in LATAM, Brazil, MENA, and Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering a culture of innovation across the public sector. Fluent in Chinese and an avid traveler, Tim brings a global perspective to complex challenges. His expertise lies in guiding government agencies to leverage technology to solve critical missions.
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