The Lifetime Achievement Award at the World Agility Forum was introduced in 2017 and is a prestigious recognition, celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to agility in various fields. This award is the highest honor at the forum, given to visionaries who have left an enduring mark on their industries through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to agility. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of visionary thinking and the importance of agility in our ever-changing world. Each recipient's story inspires future leaders to embrace change, challenge conventions, and build a more agile and resilient future.
2023 - Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
Ivar Jacobson
Computer Scientist, Software Engineer and Inventor
Ivar Jacobson is a distinguished Swedish software engineer and inventor, is a luminary in the field of software development. With a career spanning decades, he has made groundbreaking contributions to the industry. Jacobson is renowned for his pioneering work in software engineering methodologies, including the creation of the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and Object-Oriented Software Engineering (OOSE). His ideas have significantly influenced the way software systems are designed, developed, and managed.
As a thought leader and author, Jacobson's publications and methodologies have had a profound impact on the software development community. His visionary insights continue to shape the industry's best practices. Ivar Jacobson's enduring legacy lies in his commitment to advancing the field of software engineering, making him a revered figure in the world of technology and innovation.
2022 - Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
Dr. Carlota Perez
Researcher, Lecturer, International Consultant and Professor
Professor Carlota Perez, a British-Venezuelan researcher, lecturer, and international consultant, is renowned for her profound insights into technological revolutions and economic development. Her work, notably "Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital: The Dynamics of Bubbles and Golden Ages," has reshaped our understanding of how technology, innovation, and finance drive societal change. Honored at the 2022 World Agility Forum, her influence extends globally, inspiring a deeper comprehension of these crucial dynamics. She holds honorary professorships at leading institutions and is a vital figure in post-graduate education worldwide, sharing her expertise through lectures and publications.
2021 - Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
Dr. Vinton G. Cerf & Dr. Robert E. Kahn
Internet pioneers, Creators of TCP/IP
Dr. Vinton G. Cerf is a pioneering figure in the development of the Internet, often referred to as one of its "fathers" alongside Robert Kahn. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the National Medal of Technology, the Turing Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Marconi Prize.
Dr. Robert E. Kahn is an influential American electrical engineer. He and Vinton Cerf co-proposed the fundamental Internet protocols, TCP and IP. Their groundbreaking work earned them the Turing Award in 2004, revolutionizing data transfer and laying the foundation for the modern Internet.
2020 - Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
Linda Rising
Autor, Lecturer and Consultant
Ken Schwaber is a pivotal figure in software development. He co-created the Scrum framework with Jeff Sutherland, co-authored the Scrum Guide, and is among the original signatories of the Agile Manifesto. Ken founded Scrum.org after leaving the Scrum Alliance in 2009, where he contributed to the development of Scrum practices and certifications. His dedication to agile practices is evident in his numerous publications, including "Software in Thirty Days," co-authored with Jeff Sutherland.
2019 - Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
Ken Schwaber
Software Developer, Product Manager and Industry Consultant
Ken Schwaber is a pivotal figure in software development. He co-created the Scrum framework with Jeff Sutherland, co-authored the Scrum Guide, and is among the original signatories of the Agile Manifesto. Ken founded Scrum.org after leaving the Scrum Alliance in 2009, where he contributed to the development of Scrum practices and certifications. His dedication to agile practices is evident in his numerous publications, including "Software in Thirty Days," co-authored with Jeff Sutherland.
2018 - Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
Ron Jeffries & Chet Hendrickson
Founders of Extreme Programing
Ron Jeffries is a co-founder of Extreme Programming (XP) and a prominent figure in software development. He has authored influential books on XP and boasts a successful track record, having generated over half a billion dollars in revenue from software projects in various languages. Ron's extensive experience and dedication to XP have made him a key advocate and practitioner in the field.
Chet Hendrickson is a co-founder of Extreme Programming (XP) and has been deeply involved in Agile Software Development since 1996, co-authoring "Extreme Programming Installed" in 2000. Since 2002, he's been an independent consultant, coach, and trainer. In 2009, he helped create the Certified Scrum Developer program and has been a Certified Scrum Trainer since. His contributions have left a lasting impact on Agile practices.