Shadow it or digital empowerment?Drivers and inhibitors of lcnc development in the context of digital transformation

Abstract

Digital transformation increases organizations’ need for rapid software development, while simultaneously raising the question of whether Low-Code/No-Code (LCNC) platforms represent a source of uncontrolled shadow IT or a mechanism of user digital empowerment. The aim of this paper is to identify and analyze the drivers and inhibitors of LCNC development in comparison with traditional software development. The research was conducted using a combination of a systematic literature review and a multiple case study based on semi-structured interviews across 20 organizations. The data were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach, through separate quantitative and qualitative analyses and their integration. The results show that respondents associate LCNC development with implementation speed, accessibility, and the inclusion of non-programmers, while traditional development remains linked to reliability and regulatory compliance. At the same time, significant risks were identified, including vendor lock-in, security challenges, and the emergence of shadow IT. An experience paradox was observed, whereby greater use of LCNC tools increases awareness of their limitations while simultaneously reinforcing appreciation for traditional development approaches. The findings indicate that LCNC does not replace traditional development but represents a new layer of digital infrastructure whose success depends on balancing agility with governance frameworks. The paper contributes to understanding the relationship between technological accessibility and organizational control in digital transformation.