Around 500 Indian Global Capability Centres are stalling, requiring an urgent shift from basic cost savings to leadership autonomy and advanced AI innovation to grow.
NEW DELHI
Nearly 500 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India are failing to reach their full potential and have started to plateau. Reports states that these hubs urgently need a major strategic reset that focuses on leadership, artificial intelligence, and overall enterprise value rather than simple cost savings.
The study reveals that about thirty percent of GCCs set up after 2020 have already stalled. When combined with older centres, around 500 to 520 units are currently struggling to grow. Despite this roadblock, the sector maintains strong momentum. Driven by global demand and supportive policies, India is still expected to host over 2,500 GCCs by 2030.
Experts note that this slowdown is not a failure but a critical turning point. While these centres were originally designed to expand delivery, very few were built to sustain long-term relevance. The issue stems from structural challenges, including limited leadership autonomy, weak alignment with global company goals, and underinvestment in advanced AI platforms. Fragmented data foundations also prevent these hubs from moving into higher-value corporate roles.
To thrive in the next phase, Indian GCCs must change how they operate. Industry leaders emphasize that future success depends entirely on getting foundational choices right early. This includes establishing proper governance models, creating strong talent strategies, and building modern technology backbones. By shifting their focus from cheap labor to genuine innovation, these centres can successfully unlock their true business impact.
