Why Low-Code Is the Must‑Have Strategy for Post‑Pandemic IT Teams

Low-Code Adoption Surge Worldwide

The latest Mendix research report shows that the global spread of COVID‑19 has dramatically increased interest and usage of low‑code platforms among enterprises. The study surveyed 1,209 IT professionals and 816 software developers from the United States, China, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Across the six countries, 77% of enterprises have already adopted low‑code, and 75% of IT leaders consider it a trend they cannot afford to miss. Organizations across industries recognize that traditional software development models can no longer meet the growing market demand.

57% of IT professionals say the number of staff required for software development is increasing.

76% report a “boom” in demand for developers.

61% indicate rising software development costs.

Two‑thirds of software projects are delivered on schedule, yet 62% of organizations see their backlog continuously growing.

Pressure to become “digital‑first” has spurred enthusiasm for new solutions and ways of working. During COVID‑19, 64% of organizations relied on non‑technical staff to relieve IT pressure, and low‑code played a central role, achieving a 77% usage rate.

64% of IT professionals agree low‑code is their go‑to workaround development approach.

59% of low‑code projects involve collaboration between business units and IT groups.

IDC forecasts that from 2021 to 2025 the number of low‑code developers worldwide will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 40.4%, roughly 3.2 times the overall developer growth rate of 12.5%.

Regarding benefits, 40% of low‑code users cite increased collaboration, faster development, and lower costs. Specifically, low‑code projects can reduce costs by 53% and accelerate delivery by 56%, while customer applications built with low‑code increase average revenue by 58%.

Low‑code also encourages broader participation in IT: 48% say it attracts people without a university degree, another 48% note it draws a wider age range, and 46% observe greater racial diversity. Two‑fifths of IT leaders expect their departments to become more diverse in age, race, and background. Gartner predicts that by 2024, 80% of technology products and services will be created by non‑IT professionals.

Mendix co‑founder and CEO Derek Roos states that low‑code is a key driver of increased IT diversity, opening doors for talent from varied backgrounds and promoting greater fairness and inclusion in the business world.

Currently, 75% of U.S. enterprises have adopted low‑code, while adoption rates in China and Europe are 75% and 74% respectively. Mendix notes that 90% of Chinese IT professionals are eager to embrace low‑code, suggesting China may surpass the United States as the global leader in low‑code adoption; 84% of Chinese respondents view low‑code as an indispensable trend, compared with a global average of 72%.

Source: Open Source China Community