Kissflow, a prominent platform for automating internal processes and applications, has released its much-anticipated Citizen Development Trends Report 2024. This report offers crucial insights into how organisations are utilising Citizen Development (CD) to expedite their digital transformation efforts.
The findings stem from a survey of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) at enterprises employing over 5,000 staff, revealing a marked increase in the adoption of citizen development across various sectors. This innovative approach empowers non-IT employees, referred to as ‘citizen developers,’ to create and deploy departmental applications and processes using low-code or no-code platforms. By doing so, these organisations can better tailor solutions to meet their specific operational needs without the traditional reliance on IT departments.
Among the key findings, a striking 83% of technology leaders report having implemented a Citizen Development programme, with 92% acknowledging its crucial role in achieving their digital transformation goals. Additionally, 56% of those surveyed have prioritised CD as a leading initiative and have allocated dedicated funding to support its implementation.
Kissflow’s report emphasises the accelerated pace of innovation fostered by Citizen Development, with 62% of respondents asserting that it significantly speeds up digital transformation. This empowerment of employees outside of IT has been particularly pronounced within Operations and Human Resources departments, which are leading the charge in CD adoption.
The tangible benefits of Citizen Development are also evident, with many organisations experiencing quicker responses to market changes and increased innovation. The report reveals that 76% of tech leaders anticipate faster response times and 75% foresee enhanced customisation of solutions as a direct outcome of embracing citizen development.
Furthermore, the report indicates that 58% of CIOs predict implementing Citizen Development will lead to a productivity boost of over 10%, primarily by streamlining workflows and reducing inefficiencies.
“Citizen Development is no longer a concept for the future; it is currently reshaping digital transformation in organisations worldwide,” stated Suresh Sambandam, CEO of Kissflow. “Firms that have adopted this paradigm early are witnessing transformative results across their operations. This report highlights that empowering non-IT professionals in application development not only accelerates innovation but also alleviates backlogs, enabling businesses to maintain a competitive edge.”
However, the report does not shy away from addressing challenges associated with Citizen Development. Notably, data security emerges as the primary concern for 44% of CIOs, along with the necessity for seamless integration with existing IT infrastructures. Governance issues and the lack of training for citizen developers were also identified as significant hurdles that organisations need to navigate to fully unlock the potential of Citizen Development.
Kissflow’s Citizen Development Trends Report 2024 underlines a significant shift in the digital landscape, encouraging businesses to adapt and innovate in an increasingly competitive environment.
