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The Digital Modernization Playbook for State Government The Digital Modernization Playbook
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Three: Reframe "unified" so it lands

Not every agency brings the same challenges. Some are eager to collaborate, while others see “unified digital ecosystem” as a threat.

Agencies resistant to the idea of unification hear "loss of control, another failed initiative," even though what you’re really proposing is a shared platform with agency autonomy.

Comparison chart titled “A Unified Ecosystem Means.” The left column, labeled “What It Is,” includes shared standards, tools, and platforms; a flexible design system with reusable components; and visibility for ecosystem leaders without removing agency control. The right column, labeled “What It Is Not,” contrasts these with one website for everything, eliminating agency identity, and centralizing content decisions.

Understanding where agencies are coming from gives you an idea of which ones will become your first partners, which governance model is realistic for everyone, and how to sequence a multi-year modernization effort to demonstrate early success.