journal article·2025-06-09Open access

Democratizing Digital Transformation: A Multisector Study of Low-Code Adoption Patterns, Limitations, and Emerging Paradigms

Zhengwu Shi, Junyu Dong, Yanhai Gan

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 12

Abstract

Low-code development platforms (LCDPs) have emerged as transformative tools for accelerating digital transformation across industries by enabling rapid application development with minimal hand-coding. This paper synthesizes existing research and industry practices to explore the adoption, benefits, challenges, and future directions of low-code technologies in key sectors: automotive, equipment manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, and energy. Drawing on academic literature, industry reports, and case studies, this review highlights how low-code bridges the gap between IT and domain experts while addressing sector-specific demands. The study emphasizes the significant impact of LCDPs on operational efficiency, innovation acceleration, and the democratization of software development. However, it also identifies critical challenges related to customization, interoperability, security, and usability. The paper concludes with a discussion of emerging trends, including enhanced AI/ML integration, edge computing, open-source ecosystems, and sector-specific platform evolution, which are poised to shape the future of low-code development. Ultimately, this research underscores the potential of low-code platforms to drive sustainable digital transformation while addressing the complex needs of modern industries.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Digital Platforms and Economics · Open Source Software Innovations · ERP Systems Implementation and Impact

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

The Faculty of Information Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China

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