In the face of civil service constraints, reduction in employee benefits, legacy technology, and an aging workforce, government IT departments must be innovative in addressing resource issues. As the percentage of government workers entering retirement increases, a new wave of employees armed with technology skills is emerging. These individuals, embodying the spirit of citizen developers, are eager to leverage their familiarity with modern technology tools, honed through personal use, to contribute to building efficient technology solutions for their workplaces. This shift represents a unique opportunity to address IT staffing issues by embracing low-code application platforms and integrating these tech-savvy contributors within a structured IT governance framework.
The Rise of the Citizen Developer
The concept of the citizen developer within government is becoming increasingly relevant in this new era. These individuals are not traditional IT staff but possess the skills and willingness to create applications that solve operational challenges or improve processes within their domain. Utilizing low-code or no-code platforms, citizen developers can bring their ideas to life with minimal coding knowledge, democratizing application development and driving innovation from within.
Low-Code Platforms: A Catalyst for Change
The increased use and capabilities of low-code application platforms within the public sector has been a game-changer, providing the tools necessary for citizen developers to flourish. For government agencies, this means the ability to quickly develop and deploy solutions, streamlining operations and enhancing service delivery. These platforms are particularly appealing to the tech-savvy workforce, who have domain knowledge of government operations and bring a “can-do” attitude to leveraging technology in solving real-world problems.
Embracing a New Governance Model
To effectively integrate citizen developers into government IT strategies, establishing a comprehensive governance structure is crucial. This framework sets clear boundaries for the development efforts of non-IT personnel, ensuring that innovations align with security standards and system stability. Proper governance allows for the controlled exploration of new ideas while maintaining the integrity of government systems.
Leveraging the Skills of a New Generation
As the new generation of government employees step forward, their inherent tech savviness and willingness to engage in technology projects present a significant opportunity. By embracing these natural citizen developers, government agencies can not only alleviate staffing shortages but also inject a fresh perspective into technology solutions, making government operations more efficient and responsive.
Conclusion
The transition toward a more technologically adept government workforce signals a promising evolution in how public sector IT challenges are addressed. By harnessing the potential of next-generation citizen developers using low-code platforms and a strong governance framework, governments can transform their approach to IT staffing and project execution. This strategy not only offers a practical solution to current staffing dilemmas but also sets the stage for a more innovative, efficient, and dynamic government IT landscape.
Scott Mastellon, former Suffolk County (NY) CIO and current Managing Director of Public Sector at SVAM International Inc., is a distinguished technology leader with over two decades in the experience in government. Renowned for driving digital transformation and operational efficiency in the public sector, his strategic leadership was crucial during Suffolk County’s critical moments, notably amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Leveraging his rich experience as a government CIO, Scott now brings innovative technology solutions to public sector organizations at SVAM, focusing on cybersecurity, RPA and AI, and data modernization.
