Which role has content authority for the ART backlog?

The Product Manager holds the content authority for the ART (Agile Release Train) backlog. This is due to their responsibility for defining and prioritizing the features that will deliver the most value to the customer and align with the organization's strategic goals. The Product Manager collaborates closely with stakeholders, customers, and Product Owners to gather requirements and ensure that the ART backlog reflects the needs of the market.

By having the content authority, the Product Manager ensures that the organization maintains a clear vision and direction for product development, helping to synchronize the efforts of all teams within the ART. This allows for a more streamlined approach to delivering features that are aligned with customer needs and business objectives. The Product Manager is integral in making decisions about the scope and priority of backlog items, ensuring that these align with the overall program strategy.

The other roles mentioned do not have the same level of authority concerning the ART backlog. While Scrum Masters and Release Train Engineers focus on facilitating processes and improving team dynamics, they do not make decisions regarding content. Team members contribute to the execution of backlog items but lack authority over what items are included or prioritized in the ART backlog.