Agile or traditional—that question hardly comes up anymore. That’s because many companies have long since adopted hybrid approaches that combine the best of both worlds. This is exactly where PRINCE2 Agile comes in. The framework combines the structured management of PRINCE2 with the flexible methods of Scrum, Kanban, and others—for greater clarity, transparency, and success in agile projects.
In this article, you'll learn exactly what PRINCE2 Agile is, how it works, and why it's particularly effective where agility meets organization.
Why PRINCE2 Agile Was Developed
The classic PRINCE2 methodology has been a proven standard for project management for many years—predictable, structured, and scalable. However, with the shift toward more agile work methods and shorter development cycles, there has been a growing need not only to manage projects but also to implement them in a more dynamic and iterative manner.
PRINCE2 Agile was developed to bridge this gap: It supplements traditional project management with agile elements and methods—without sacrificing the proven governance structure. The result: a flexible project management approach with clear accountability and room for agility.
What makes PRINCE2 Agile special?
PRINCE2 Agile combines two powerful approaches:
- PRINCE2, with its seven principles, roles, and management phases
- Agile frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, or Lean Startup
What makes this approach unique is that agility isn't forced into the project structure; instead, PRINCE2 is expanded to allow agile teams to work effectively within a clear framework.
Key Features:
- Agile Work Practices Within Traditional Project Phases
- Clear division of roles between project leadership, team management, and stakeholders
- Focus on business value, flexibility, and continuous delivery
- Scalability for Small and Large Projects
How Scrum and PRINCE2 Complement Each Other in Practice
A typical scenario: The development team works according to Scrum, using sprints, reviews, and retrospectives. At the same time, the project remains strategically embedded within PRINCE2, with a business case, financial oversight, and a steering committee.
Benefits of this collaboration:
- Scrum teams can work flexibly without disregarding governance requirements
- Management retains control over time, costs, and quality
- Stakeholders receive regular results, not just status reports
- Risks are actively managed without forcing teams into bureaucratic processes
Who is PRINCE2 Agile suitable for?
PRINCE2 Agile is designed for organizations and teams that:
- already use agile methods but need more structure
- want to make traditional projects more agile
- work in regulated environments (e.g., banks, government agencies, large corporations)
- must integrate agile teams into overarching governance models
PRINCE2 Agile at SERVIEW: Practical Experience Meets Methodology
In the PRINCE2 Agile training course at SERVIEW, you’ll learn how to effectively combine agile methods, such as Scrum, with PRINCE2. You’ll discover how to lead teams effectively, integrate agile values into traditional structures—and ensure project success without sacrificing flexibility or control.
Previously published
Would you like to understand how clearly defined roles work in agile projects? Then read the article:
Scrum Master & Product Owner: Two Roles, One Goal
Training Tip: PRINCE2 Agile Version 2 Training at SERVIEW
Do you want to manage agile projects professionally—with structure, clarity, and the right amount of flexibility? Then we recommend the PRINCE2 Agile Version 2 Foundation training at SERVIEW. Here, you’ll learn how to effectively lead agile teams, clearly assign responsibilities, and successfully manage projects in dynamic environments.
Learn more now:
About PRINCE2 Agile Version 2 training courses at SERVIEW
