Navigating the Speed vs. Quality Dilemma: What QA Leaders Need to Know for H2 2026

State of Software Testing: The impact of AI on speed and quality

AI is changing the game for QA. Organizations are racing to deliver faster releases while simultaneously cutting costs – but 60% are still stuck in early-to-mid automation maturity, struggling to balance speed, quality, and resource constraints. 

SmartBear recently surveyed 126 QA and testing executives to understand how the industry is navigating these challenges. The results reveal critical market shifts you can’t afford to ignore – and we want to share them with you. 

Watch Rob McNeil, Senior Manager, Product Marketing, walk through the data, discuss how it’s shaping our product roadmap, and field questions on what’s happening in the field. 

What you’ll learn in this on-demand session: 

• Market benchmarks: See where your team stands compared to peers on automation maturity, testing priorities, and AI adoption  
• The speed-vs-quality tension: Why teams are struggling to confidently release faster – and what’s working for those who’ve cracked the code  
• AI as an accelerant: How organizations are using AI to close automation gaps and scale testing more effectively  
• SmartBear’s perspective: How these insights are directly informing our product strategy and innovation priorities 

You’ll walk away with actionable data to help you benchmark performance, prioritize initiatives, and make informed decisions 

Get the QA Testing Trends Report Here >