Do We Even Need Programmers? Low-Code Software and the Future of Environmental Protection Systems

Thursday, November 19, 2020
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

The next phase of digital transformation—from systems of record to GIS and data analytics—relies on no-code and low code platforms. These systems allow people with very little programming knowledge to create robust cloud applications in order to meet a wide variety of needs. Agencies are beginning to use these systems outside of traditional IT to meet emerging needs. However, these systems are not without their challenges. They require a new set of skills and a different governance model to achieve their full potential. Agencies will need to adjust their work to support this emerging cloud technology or face a wave of organizational chaos. This panel outlined the promises and pitfalls of the no-code/low-code platforms along with suggestions on how to fully leverage this new approach to tool and service development. Panelists discussed:

  • The basics of no-code/low-code systems development

  • Examples of use cases already deployed

  • How these systems interact with existing technology

  • The skill set needed to fully make use of the no-code/low-code platforms

  • Governance changes needed in order to create a stable organizational environment 

Webinar Agenda

1:00 – 1:05 | Welcome and Introduction

Webinar Logistics
Sarah Abramowitz, Ross Strategic

1:05 – 1:10 | Do We Even Need Programmers? 

Stephen Forrest, Montana DEQ 
What is low-code software and how is it reshaping our approach to developing environmental protection systems? 

1:10 - 1:25 | Perspectives from Low-Code Platform Providers 

Joe Clancy, Microsoft; Pete Karageorge, Google 

  • Key trends in low-code offerings and how agencies are making use of them 

  • Example Use Cases 

1:25 - 1:55 | Low Code Lightning Talks  

Stephen Forrest, Montana DEQ; Scott Heidenreich, Ohio EPA; Vince Allen, U.S. EPA 
Speakers will share some of their agencies’ use cases, examples, and implementation experiences with low-code software platforms.  

1:55 - 2:15 | Panel Discussion on Low-Code Platforms and Lessons Learned 

Moderator: Kristen Durance, Ross Strategic 

Panelists: Stephen Forrest, Montana DEQ; Scott Heidenreich, Ohio EPA; Vince Allen, U.S. EPA; Joe Clancy, Microsoft; Pete Karageorge, Google  

2:15 – 2:25 | Q&A and Open Discussion 

2:25 – 2:30 | Webinar Wrap-Up 

Featured Speakers

  • Stephen Forrest, Montana Department of Environmental Quality

  • Scott Heidenreich, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

  • Vince Allen, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  • Joe Clancy, Microsoft

  • Pete Karageorge, Google

Additional Resources