How Are Citizen Developers Transforming Digital Transformation Today?

Citizen development, a strategy enabling non-IT employees to create applications using low-code/no-code platforms, is gaining significant traction across large enterprises. This trend is thoroughly examined in Kissflow’s Citizen Development Trends Report for 2024, which highlights how empowering non-IT staff is transforming digital strategies and driving innovation.

Widespread Adoption and Strategic Priority

The report reveals that a staggering 83% of enterprises with over 5,000 employees have already adopted citizen development programs. This widespread embrace underscores the critical role citizen development plays in modern digital transformation efforts. Specifically, 92% of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) confirm that these initiatives are crucial to their digital strategies. Moreover, 56% of CIOs have made citizen development a top priority and allocated specific funds to support these programs.

Acceleration of Digital Transformation

One of the most compelling advantages of citizen development is its ability to speed up digital transformation. By enabling non-IT employees to quickly develop tailored solutions, companies can respond more nimbly to market changes. According to the report, approximately 62% of respondents believe that citizen development significantly accelerates digital transformation processes. This democratization of technology allows for faster implementation of innovative ideas, which can be pivotal in a competitive landscape.

Impact on Business Agility and Customization

Citizen development is also instrumental in enhancing business agility and customization. The report notes that 76% of enterprises expect faster responses to market changes, while 75% anticipate improved customization of solutions to meet specific business needs. These benefits stem from the ability of citizen developers to create applications that directly address unique operational challenges, reducing reliance on external IT teams and traditional development cycles.

Productivity Gains

The productivity benefits of citizen development are also substantial. An estimated 58% of respondents predict a productivity increase exceeding 10%, attributing this to streamlined workflows and reduced inefficiencies. By enabling employees to develop and deploy applications independently, organizations can optimize their processes, leading to significant time and resource savings.

Historical Context and Future Needs

Historically, the development of applications within enterprises has been hampered by lengthy development cycles and inadequate platforms. Citizen development addresses these issues by providing accessible tools that non-IT employees can use effectively. Kissflow’s CEO, Suresh Sambandam, emphasizes that citizen development is no longer a theoretical concept but a vital force in global digital transformation. With a projected need for over 750 million apps by 2025 and a shortage of traditional development talent, citizen development offers a timely solution.

Addressing Challenges

Despite its numerous advantages, citizen development is not without challenges. Data security is a primary concern for 44% of CIOs, highlighting the need for robust security measures. Additionally, seamless integration with existing IT infrastructure, effective governance, and adequate training for citizen developers are critical issues that must be addressed to maximize the potential of this approach.

Conclusion

Citizen development is a rapidly growing strategy that allows employees without IT backgrounds to create applications using low-code or no-code platforms. Major enterprises are increasingly adopting this approach, empowering their non-technical staff to take part in digital transformation efforts. According to Kissflow’s Citizen Development Trends Report for 2024, this trend is reshaping how companies innovate and implement digital strategies. The report dives deep into how giving non-IT employees the tools to create their own applications not only increases efficiency but also fuels creativity and problem-solving within organizations. By enabling a broader range of employees to contribute to app development, companies can respond faster to market changes and internal needs. This democratization of development capabilities helps bridge the gap between IT and business departments, fostering a more collaborative and agile work environment. The Kissflow report underscores the growing importance of citizen development in modern enterprise strategies and how it is set to redefine the future of work and digital innovation.

Explore more

Employee Engagement Crisis: How to Restore Workplace Happiness

We’re thrilled to sit down with Ling-Yi Tsai, a renowned HRTech expert with decades of experience helping organizations navigate change through innovative technology. With a deep focus on HR analytics and the seamless integration of tech in recruitment, onboarding, and talent management, Ling-Yi offers invaluable insights into the pressing challenges of employee engagement and workplace well-being. In this conversation, we

How Is AI Transforming Digital Marketing Strategies?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of digital marketing, fundamentally altering how brands connect with audiences in an increasingly crowded online space. As businesses grapple with the challenge of capturing consumer attention amidst endless streams of content, AI offers a lifeline by providing tools that personalize experiences, streamline operations, and deliver data-driven insights. This technological shift is not

Business Central Mobile Apps Transform Operations On-the-Go

In an era where business agility defines success, the ability to manage operations from any location has become a critical advantage for companies striving to stay ahead of the curve, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central mobile apps are at the forefront of this shift. These apps redefine how organizations handle essential tasks like finance, sales, and inventory management by

Transparency Key to Solving D365 Pricing Challenges

Understanding the Dynamics 365 Landscape Imagine a business world where operational efficiency hinges on a single, powerful tool, yet many enterprises struggle to harness its full potential due to unforeseen hurdles. Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365), a leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) solution, stands as a cornerstone for medium to large organizations aiming to integrate and

Generative AI Transforms Finance with Automation and Strategy

This how-to guide aims to equip finance professionals, particularly chief financial officers (CFOs) and their teams, with actionable insights on leveraging generative AI to revolutionize their operations. By following the steps outlined, readers will learn how to automate routine tasks, enhance strategic decision-making, and position their organizations for competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving industry. The purpose of this guide