Next steps for SAFe in the AI era
Scaled Agile is currently implementing one of the major changes to SAFe in many years. The new model is called AI-Native SAFe and is developed for organizations where AI is no longer a separate tool, but an integral part of how the business plans, develops, and delivers value.
AI-Native SAFe does not replace today’s SAFe. Core SAFe continues to evolve, while AI-Native SAFe becomes an option for organizations that want to integrate AI more deeply into their ways of working.
What’s changing?
An important starting point is that AI makes it possible to analyse, develop and test significantly faster. The focus therefore needs to be shifted from how much is produced to what results are actually created.
AI-Native SAFe means, among other things:
- AI and AI agents are integrated into the teams’ daily work.
- Teams can get smaller and work faster.
- Planning and feedback take place in shorter cycles.
- The focus is shifted more clearly from outputs to outcomes.
- AI governance, security and data quality are built into the way we work.
- New roles are introduced, including AI Value Architect.
Established parts of SAFe, such as Agile Release Trains and PI Planning, remain at the same time but are adapted to the new environment.
Where does AI-Native SAFe stand today?
Scaled Agile presented AI-Native SAFe in the summer of 2026 and has since gradually published new parts of the framework. In August , an AI-Native SAFe Implementation Roadmap was also launched for organizations that want to start implementing the model.
The next important step will take place at the SAFe and AI Summit on September 14-18, 2026, where further guidance will be presented. The framework has thus been launched, but is still in rapid development.
What does this mean for SAFe education?
The change is already noticeable in the range of education. Several SAFe courses have been updated to AI-Empowered versions in 2026, where AI is integrated into the existing SAFe roles and working methods.
AI-Native SAFe goes a step further. Here, the starting point is that AI is a permanent part of the organization’s way of working.
For organizations that already use SAFe, this does not mean starting over – but there is good reason to follow the development. AI-Native SAFe could be the most significant development of the framework in many years.
Contact us to find out more about the consequences for courses and certifications.