Global Capability Centres (GCCs) have become integral to the operational strategies of multinational corporations (MNCs), serving as hubs for innovation, digital transformation, and value creation. India has emerged as a premier destination for these centers, boasting over 1,700 GCCs as of 2025. Projections indicate that this number could rise to between 2,100 and 2,200 by 2030, with the employment base expanding from the current 1.9 million to approximately 2.5 to 2.8 million professionals. Correspondingly, export revenue from GCCs is expected to grow from about $65 billion to between $99 and $105 billion by 2030.
The Evolving Role of GCCs
Initially established for cost arbitrage, GCCs in India have transitioned into centres of excellence, driving enterprise-wide digital transformation, process re-engineering, and product innovation. This evolution underscores the strategic importance of GCCs in enhancing the market competitiveness of their parent organizations.
Challenges Facing Today’s Global Capability Centres
Despite their growth, GCCs encounter several challenges:
- Navigating Uncertainty: Overdependence on HQ for decision-making can undermine local leadership, hindering agility and responsiveness.
- Talent Acquisition and Retention: Attracting and retaining skilled professionals remains challenging, especially with filling nearly 20,000 global roles by 2030.
- Regulatory Compliance: India’s complex and evolving regulatory landscape necessitates continuous vigilance to ensure compliance with labor laws, taxation policies, and industry-specific regulations.
- Technological Advancements: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving technologies like artificial intelligence and automation is crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage.
- Cultural Diversity: Managing a diverse workforce across multiple locations requires thoughtful strategies to foster inclusion and collaboration.
GCCs in a Glocalized World: Insights from the ET Edge GCC Summit 2025
The ET Edge Global Capability Centers Summit 2025, held on March 21st at Marriott Whitefield, Bangalore, convened industry leaders to discuss the theme “GCCs in a Glocalized World.” The summit emphasized the importance of balancing global strategies with local execution to harness the full potential of Global Captive Centres.
Panel Discussions from GCC leaders during the event hosted by ET Edge
IIMB’s Leadership Development Programme: Building Resilient GCCs
At the summit, IIM Bangalore’s Executive Education showcased a newly designed leadership development programme aimed at fortifying the Global In-House Centres. This initiative addresses the critical need for cultivating global leaders capable of navigating complex, matrixed environments with evolving charters.
Who can attend this unique Leadership Development Programme?
- Direct Reports of a GCC’s Country Head or Site Leader, which includes Sr. Vice Presidents / Sr. Directors (N-1 level) overseeing cross-functional leadership and strategy.
- Assistant Vice Presidents / Deputy Directors (N-2 level) who either report directly to the GCC head or the N-1 level within the organizational structure.
- High potential Senior Managers with 15+ years of work experience, currently driving results in the functional zones of management like Finance/ Technology/ Operations for the organization – looking to level up towards General Management and Executive Leadership roles.
Programme Highlights:
Module 1: Driving GCC Excellence – Unlocking Enterprise Value (3 Days in campus sessions)
Module 2: Leadership Skills for GCC Success (4 Days in campus sessions)
Module 3: Strategic Thinking and Innovation (3 Days in campus sessions)
Programme Benefits:
Participants will be equipped to:
- Drive higher value for their parent organizations.
- Manage diverse stakeholders across geographies and time zones.
- Attract, retain, and lead teams in a competitive talent market.
- Navigate change and lead organizational transformation effectively.
By addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the Global Capability Offshore Units, IIMB’s Leadership Development Programme aims to groom the next generation of GCC leaders, ensuring they are well-prepared to take on global roles and drive sustained success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
For more details on the programme, click the image below:
