Which role is ultimately accountable for the overall project progress in Scrum?

The Product Owner is ultimately accountable for the overall project progress in Scrum because they are responsible for maximizing the value of the product being developed. They define and prioritize the Product Backlog, which represents the work required to continuously improve the product. This prioritization directly influences the selection of what the Development Team works on during each Sprint. The Product Owner ensures that the team is focused on delivering the most valuable features first, thereby guiding the project's direction and progress.

As the single point of accountability for the product vision and stakeholder engagement, the Product Owner must effectively communicate and collaborate with stakeholders, including customers, users, and other relevant parties. This role encompasses balancing stakeholder needs with technical feasibility and team capabilities, ultimately driving the product forward. Thus, the Product Owner's decisions and prioritization efforts directly impact the overall progress of the project in terms of delivering value and meeting expectations.