When can the Development Team participate in Product Backlog refinement?

The Development Team can engage in Product Backlog refinement at any time during the Sprint because this activity is a collaborative process aimed at clarifying and detailing the items in the Product Backlog. This flexibility is essential in Scrum, as it allows the team to continuously improve and prepare for upcoming work.

During the Sprint, the Development Team may identify items that need more detail or find that some items require re-evaluation based on new learnings or insights. Refinement can involve estimating items, breaking them down into smaller tasks, or simply gaining a better understanding of their requirements. This ongoing activity helps ensure that the most important and highest priority items are ready for the next Sprint.

Furthermore, this approach fosters a culture of collaboration and communication within the team, allowing for an adaptive strategy where the team can respond to changes swiftly and efficiently. The emphasis on refinement throughout the Sprint aligns with Agile principles and supports continuous delivery of value to stakeholders.