Unlocking the Secrets to Citizen Developer Success - Insights from Industry Experts

Organizations often face delays and reduced agility when relying solely on traditional IT departments to address business needs. Low-code/no-code (LC/NC) platforms empower non-IT personnel, known as citizen developers, to contribute to digital transformation. However, the factors maximizing their effectiveness remain underexplored. This study advances citizen development theory by (1) empirically validating the relationships between technological, organizational, and individual factors, (2) uncovering previously unrecognized moderating effects among these dimensions, and (3) establishing boundary conditions for effective citizen development implementation. Building on a previously proposed conceptual model, in-depth interviews with 14 industry practitioners validate and refine the framework, providing nuanced insights into citizen developers' roles. The findings reveal how these interrelated factors shape the success of citizen developers, enabling organizations to optimize operational efficiency, foster innovation, and reduce dependence on traditional IT resources. By integrating industry-driven insights, this study offers a comprehensive roadmap for leveraging citizen development to accelerate digital transformation while addressing critical organizational challenges.