In an era of rapid digital transformation, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have emerged as powerful drivers of innovation and operational excellence. As India continues to strengthen its position as a premier destination for GCCs, organizations seek strategic partners to help them navigate this landscape effectively and sustainably. GCCs are poised to play a pivotal role in 2025 and beyond, driving digital innovation, operational resilience, and strategic growth for global enterprises. As organizations accelerate AI adoption, cloud transformation, and data-driven decision-making, GCCs are evolving into hubs of advanced R&D, cybersecurity, and product engineering. Beyond cost efficiency, they now serve as centers of excellence for emerging technologies, fostering agility and innovation. With India's deep talent pool, strong digital infrastructure, and a maturing regulatory landscape, GCCs will remain key enablers of competitive advantage. They will help enterprises scale, innovate, and future-proof their operations in an increasingly digital-first world.
The Growing GCC Landscape in India
Digital transformation, a skilled talent pool, and cost efficiencies drive the rapid expansion of the GCC landscape in India. Global enterprises across industries—technology, BFSI, healthcare, and manufacturing—are setting up GCCs to drive innovation, AI-led automation, and engineering excellence. The numbers tell a compelling story. India hosts over 1,700 GCCs across more than 2,975 units, employing over 1.9 million professionals1. Bengaluru leads this revolution with over 870 centers, followed by Hyderabad with 550 centers2. This robust ecosystem demonstrates India's exceptional capability to support global enterprises in their digital transformation journey.
With India emerging as a hub for high-value R&D, analytics, and cloud adoption, GCCs are evolving beyond back-office functions to strategic centers of excellence. Favorable government policies, robust infrastructure, and an increasing focus on digital skills further fuel this growth. India is a key destination for global enterprises looking to scale their technology and operations.
Why GCCs Matter in 2025 and Beyond
As we look toward 2025, several key factors are shaping the GCC landscape:
Evolving Talent Dynamics
The competition for specialized skills, particularly in AI and digital technologies, has surged, intensifying competition among organizations for top talent. Organizations must develop competitive compensation packages while creating work environments that resonate with younger generations' values and aspirations.
Focus on Continuous Learning
The rapidly evolving technology landscape demands a strong emphasis on reskilling and upskilling. Beyond traditional recruitment strategies, fostering a culture of continuous learning, upskilling, and innovation would attract and retain highly skilled professionals. India's government initiatives, including Skill India and various corporate-academic partnerships, have created a sustainable talent pipeline that gives the country a competitive advantage.
Strategic Talent Management
Success in the GCC space requires a disciplined approach to hiring and retention. Understanding voluntary and involuntary attrition patterns has become crucial for effective talent management and organizational growth. Competitive compensation packages are essential, but they must be complemented by flexible work arrangements, career growth opportunities, and a strong organizational purpose. Younger generations prioritize workplaces that align with their values, offering not just financial rewards but also meaningful work, diversity and inclusion, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Organizations that invest in employee experience, well-being, and cutting-edge projects will have a strategic advantage in securing and nurturing the next wave of digital talent.
Encora: Your Strategic Partner for GCC Success
In this dynamic landscape, Encora stands out as a trusted partner for organizations looking to establish or scale their GCCs in India. Our comprehensive service portfolio is designed to address every aspect of GCC establishment and operations. We offer:
Comprehensive GCC Enablement Services
Strategic Planning and Setup
- Location strategy and market analysis
- Infrastructure planning and implementation
- Legal and regulatory compliance support
- Organization structure design
- Technology infrastructure setup and optimization
Talent Solutions
- Custom recruitment strategies for specialized roles
- Comprehensive talent assessment frameworks
- Onboarding and training programs
- Performance management systems
- Leadership development initiatives
Operational Excellence
- Process optimization and standardization
- Quality management frameworks
- Risk management and compliance
- Technology implementation and integration
- Business continuity planning
Innovation and Digital Transformation
- Digital strategy development
- Emerging technology adoption (AI, ML, Cloud)
- Innovation lab setup and management
- R&D capability development
- Digital product engineering
Value-Added Services
Knowledge Transfer and Training
- Customized training programs
- Technical skill development
- Leadership Coaching
- Cross-culture training
- Best practices implementation
Continuous Improvement
- Performance metrics and analytics
- Process automation opportunities
- Operational efficiency assessment
- Cost optimization strategies
- Quality enhancement programs
The Encora Advantage
Industry-Specific Expertise
With a deep understanding of various industries, we can design tailored solutions that address sector-specific challenges and opportunities. We bring expertise in:
- Financial Services
- Healthcare and Life Sciences
- Technology and Software
- Manufacturing and Industrial
- Retail and Consumer Goods
Global Delivery Model
Our nearshore, onshore, and offshore capabilities enable:
- 24/7 operational coverage
- Access to diverse talent pools
- Cost-effective scaling
- Regional market insights
- Cultural alignment
Innovation-Driven Approach
We collaborate closely with global enterprises to drive innovation and engineering excellence. Our expertise helps organizations:
- Accelerate digital transformation initiatives
- Optimize operational costs
- Maximize business value
- Drive technological innovation
- Enable sustainable growth
The Path Forward
As India's GCC landscape continues to evolve, organizations need a partner who understands the opportunities and challenges of this ecosystem. Encora's comprehensive approach to GCC enablement, combined with our deep expertise in digital engineering, positions us uniquely to help organizations achieve their strategic objectives.
Whether you're considering establishing a new GCC or optimizing your existing operations, Encora offers the expertise, experience, and ecosystem understanding to ensure your success in India's dynamic GCC landscape.
Partner with Encora
Our end-to-end GCC solutions are designed to help you:
- Reduce time-to-market for new capabilities
- Access specialized talent pools
- Optimize operational costs
- Drive innovation and digital transformation
- Scale operations efficiently
- Ensure regulatory compliance
- Maintain operational excellence
Sources:
1. nasscominsights. (2024, September 11). India GCC Landscape Report – The 5 year journey. Nasscom Community | the Official Community of Indian IT Industry. https://community.nasscom.in/communities/nasscom-insights/india-gcc-landscape-report-5-year-journey
2. Uma Kannan. (2024, December 26). Global Capability Centres to expand workforce in India by 20% in 2025. The New Indian Express. https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2024/Dec/26/global-capability-centres-to-expand-workforce-in-india-by-20-in-2025