2.11 set the tone for the remainder of the 2.x cycle: smaller, faster, stabler. 2.12 will focus on Java 8 support and making it (even) easier to learn and use Scala.
We're also working on making the compiler a better platform for others to innovate on -- originally via compiler plugins, now using reflection & macros. A lot of cool stuff is happening outside core Scala, such as scala.js, and we hope to spur on that trend.
(I'm the Scala Tech Lead at Typesafe.)