Making Citizen Development Work Across Low-Code Maturity Levels

Authors

• Rebecca Alguera Kleine
• Felix Lorenz
• Thomas Clauß

Abstract

Low-code platforms empower business professionals to build applications without deep programming skills. However, shifting from IT-led to business-led citizen development requires new roles, structures and mindsets. Drawing on 36 interviews in two firms at different levels of low-code maturity, we define a practical five-level maturity model and highlight the evolving role of low-code champions who bridge the IT and business domains. We show how organizational context, IT support and community learning shape success and provide actionable guidance for traversing the first three maturity levels.

Recommended Citation

Alguera Kleine, Rebecca; Lorenz, Felix; and Clauß, Thomas (2026) "Making Citizen Development Work Across Low-Code Maturity Levels," MIS Quarterly Executive: Vol. 25: Iss. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/misqe/vol25/iss2/4