# Software Engineering in Civic Tech: A Case Study about Code for Ireland

## TL;DR

This paper investigates how civic grassroots like Code for Ireland develop software, revealing their ability to implement systematic processes despite challenges, and highlighting the potential of software engineering methods to enhance civic tech.

## Contribution

It provides an empirical case study of civic tech software development processes, demonstrating their capacity for systematic engineering and identifying key challenges faced.

## Key findings

- Groups can establish systematic software engineering processes
- They face challenges in requirements and stakeholder engagement
- Software engineering tools can improve civic tech development

## Abstract

Civic grassroots have proven their ability to create useful and scalable software that addresses pressing social needs. Although software engineering plays a fundamental role in the process of creating civic technology, academic literature that analyses the software development processes of civic tech grassroots is scarce. This paper aims to advance the understanding of how civic grassroots tackle the different activities in their software development processes. In this study, we followed the formation of two projects in a civic tech group (Code for Ireland) seeking to understand how their development processes evolved over time, and how the group carried out their work in creating new technology. Our preliminary findings show that such groups are capable of setting up systematic software engineering processes that address software specification, development, validation, and evolution. While they were able to deliver software according to self-specified quality standards, the group has challenges in requirements specification, stakeholder engagement, and reorienting from development to product delivery. Software engineering methods and tools can effectively support the future of civic technologies and potentially improve their management, quality, and durability.