The ‘innovation and planning’ (IP) iteration is the final iteration (or sprint) within every programme increment. It has a variety of purposes:
• a chance to finish off the work required to meet the PI objectives
• work on some innovation that may be useful in the next programme increment
• team members can do some professional development or training
• the inspect and adapt workshop takes place during the IP iteration
• PI planning for the next PI also takes place during the IP iteration
By being both an opportunity to clear the work from the current PI and plan the next one it gives the product manager the ability to set the new priorities. The opportunity to inspect & adapt, train and innovate can lead to a rejuvenated agile release train.
