TL;DR: In 2026, we see 7 key trends: AI automation in teams, Agile expansion into healthcare/education/government, DevOps integration, data-driven decision making, customer-focused feedback loops, remote/hybrid collaboration, and growing demand for Scrum certifications.
In 2026, Agile and Scrum continue to evolve, responding to new technologies and the changing needs of various sectors. Below we discuss the key trends shaping Agile Scrum training.
1. AI and Automation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being deployed within Agile teams. AI can automate routine tasks, giving team members more time for complex work. This makes work more efficient, although there may be a learning curve to fully leverage this technology.
Key takeaway: AI takes over routine tasks, allowing Agile teams to focus on complex problems and creative solutions.
2. Agile Expands to New Sectors
Agile working is no longer just for the IT world. Healthcare, education, manufacturing, and government are increasingly adopting it. Organizations want to remain relevant and respond flexibly to changes. Additionally, younger employees want more responsibility, and governments want better collaboration with their Agile suppliers.
3. Collaboration Between DevOps and Agile
DevOps, which stands for collaboration between development and operations, is increasingly being integrated into Agile practices. This improves collaboration between teams and ensures that products and services are delivered faster and with higher quality.
Key takeaway: The integration of DevOps and Agile accelerates time-to-market and increases product quality through better collaboration between development and operations.
4. Data-Driven Decision Making
More and more Agile teams are using data and metrics to track their progress and make better-informed decisions. They use tools like velocity and burn-down charts to measure performance and identify areas for improvement. This helps teams plan and execute their work more effectively.
5. Customer-Centric Working
In Agile, the customer is central. Regular customer feedback is crucial for continuously improving products and services. This is especially important in sectors like retail and healthcare, where customer feedback leads to better experiences and outcomes.
6. Remote and Hybrid Teams
Increased remote work requires adjustments within Agile teams. To collaborate effectively from a distance, teams use tools like Jira to organize tasks and track progress. This keeps Agile principles effective even in distributed teams.
Key takeaway: Hybrid work has become the norm. Successful Agile teams invest in digital tools and deliberate team rhythms to optimize remote collaboration.
7. Agile Training and Certification
Demand for Agile training and certifications is growing. Certifications like Scrum Master and Product Owner are important for professionals who want to deepen their Agile knowledge and boost their careers. These certificates demonstrate that someone has the knowledge and skills to successfully apply Agile.
Conclusion
Agile and Scrum continue to evolve. Key trends like AI, scaling Agile, and data-driven working make organizations more flexible and customer-focused. Companies that follow these developments can better manage their projects and become more successful.
Want to keep up with these trends? Check out our current training courses and prepare for the future of Agile working.
Written by
Merijn Visman
Certified Scrum Trainer
For over 15 years, I have been helping professionals and organizations work more effectively with Agile and Scrum. My trainings are practical, interactive, and immediately applicable in your daily work.
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