## 1 Introduction  
Low-code development platforms (LCDPs) represent a paradigm shift in software engineering, offering a visual, model-driven approach to application design that significantly reduces reliance on traditional hand-coding. By leveraging drag-and-drop interfaces, prebuilt templates, and modular components, these platforms empower both professional developers and non-technical users (referred to as \"citizen developers\"--business users without formal programming training who build applications to solve domain-specific problems) to rapidly build applications tailored to specific business needs (as shown in Figure 1). This democratization of software development aligns with the growing demand for digital agility across industries, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace, and energy, where domain expertise often outweighs formal programming skills [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]. At its core, low-code technology bridges the gap between operational requirements and IT capabilities. For instance, platforms like Microsoft Power Apps [10, 11, 12] and Mendix [13, 14, 15] enable users to design workflows by assembling preconfigured logic blocks, thereby accelerating development cycles compared to conventional methods [16]. This efficiency is further amplified by the integration of domain-specific modules--such as IoT con nectors for industrial equipment or compliance templates for aerospace regulations--which ensure that applications align with sector-specific standards and infrastructure [17]. The rise of low-code is also reshaping organizational dynamics. By decentralizing development tasks, enterprises can reduce bottlenecks caused by overburdened IT departments [18; 19]. For example, automotive manufacturers utilize platforms like Siemens' MindSphere to prototype predictive maintenance systems in weeks rather than months, enabling real-time sensor data integration and dynamic fault detection [20]. Similarly, pharmaceutical companies employ low-code tools to streamline regulatory compliance workflows, automating documentation processes that previously required extensive manual intervention. However, the adoption of low-code is not without challenges. While its visual interface lowers entry barriers, studies highlight persistent usability gaps, particularly for non-technical users unfamiliar with logical abstractions. Additionally, reliance on proprietary platforms raises concerns about vendor lock-in and interoperability, as organizations risk becoming dependent on closed ecosystems that limit customization and scalability [21]. These issues underscore the need for governance frameworks, such as the Adaptive Integrated Digital Architecture Framework (AIDAF), which harmonize low-code initiatives with enterprise-wide IT strategies to mitigate risks and ensure long-term adaptability [22]. In summary, low-code development is both a technological innovation and a cultural enabler, fostering collaboration between domain experts and technologists. Its value lies not only in accelerated delivery but also in its capacity to translate complex industrial requirements into actionable digital solutions. As industries increasingly prioritize resilience and agility, low-code platforms are poised to become indispensable tools for driving sustainable digital transformation. To guide this study, we pose the following core research questions:  
**RQ1:** How are low-code development platforms currently being adopted across diverse industrial sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy, electronics, and equipment manufacturing? **RQ2:** What are the primary technical and operational limitations encountered in deploying low-code platforms in mission-critical industrial environments? **RQ3:** What emerging trends and innovations are shaping the future evolution of low-code technologies? To address these questions, this study synthesizes insights from academic literature, industry reports, and real-world case studies.