The digital transformation landscape is evolving at an unprecedented rate, making it crucial for businesses to embrace new methodologies that promote efficiency and innovation. Among these, no-code and low-code technologies stand out as pivotal enablers. Here’s why leaders across sectors need to integrate these tools into their strategies immediately.
By 2024, an astonishing 80% of non-IT professionals will be involved in developing IT products and services, with over 65% utilising low-code/no-code tools. This shift towards democratised technology development highlights a significant trend: the barriers to entry for creating complex systems are drastically lowering. But what does this mean for traditional IT departments and their leadership?
If the majority of your workforce could independently develop digital solutions, how would this transform your organisational structure and competitive edge? Are you prepared to manage and integrate these burgeoning capabilities effectively?
Gartner predicts that by 2025, 70% of new applications developed by organisations will utilise low-code or no-code technologies. This is a steep rise from less than 25% in 2020. The rapid adoption signals not just a shift in how applications are created, but also who creates them and the speed at which they can go to market. This evolution can significantly compress innovation cycles and enhance responsiveness to market changes.
With the majority of new applications soon to be developed through these accessible technologies, is your current IT strategy flexible enough to accommodate and foster this growth? How can you turn this technological trend into a strategic advantage?
Perhaps one of the most telling forecasts is that by the end of 2025, half of all new low-code customers will come from non-IT business buyers. This indicates a shift in purchasing power and a clear signal that the influence of no-code and low-code is expanding beyond traditional tech domains, embedding itself at the core of business operations.
As business units outside the IT department increasingly drive software development, how will you ensure that these solutions align with your overall business objectives? Can you afford to stay on the sidelines as your competitors harness this widespread digital capability?
The statistics are clear, and the trajectory is set. No-code and low-code technologies are not just passing trends; they are fundamental shifts in the digital business landscape. Leadership must now look beyond mere approval of technological upgrades and actively champion a culture that embraces and scales these innovations.
Essential Questions for Leaders:
- Capability Building: How are you equipping your team with the skills and tools to leverage no-code and low-code platforms?
- Strategic Integration: How can these technologies be integrated into your strategic vision to enhance agility and reduce time to market?
- Cultural Adaptation: Are you fostering a culture of innovation that encourages non-IT professionals to develop solutions independently?
- Governance and Compliance: With the rapid increase in app development capabilities, how are you planning to maintain governance and ensure compliance?
The rise of no-code and low-code technologies offers a unique opportunity for business leaders to redefine the landscape of their industries. By empowering non-IT professionals to create solutions, enhancing the speed of application development, and expanding the reach of technological initiatives beyond IT departments, these platforms can provide a substantial competitive edge. However, this shift requires more than passive acceptance—it demands active leadership to harness its full potential.
Leaders must now question not if, but how swiftly and effectively they can adapt to these changes. Are you ready to lead in this new digital norm?
The future is here, and it’s coded with simplicity and efficiency. Embrace it or risk obsolescence.