Impact of Transformative Technologies on Indian Global Capability Centers: A Leadership Perspective

Since Texas Instruments established the first offshore captive center in Bengaluru in 1985, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India have evolved from back-office operations into strategic innovation hubs for multinational corporations. According to a report by consulting major EY on the future of GCCs (Balachandran et al., 2023), the Indian GCC market is projected to exceed US$100 billion by 2030, housing over 2500 centers and employing more than 4.5 million professionals. Driving this transformation is the rapid adoption of transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), which are redefining the role and future trajectory of GCCs in India. This research explores the influence of these technologies on the strategic evolution of Indian GCCs, through a mixed-methods approach, combining primary research (surveys and expert interviews) with secondary analysis (industry reports, articles, and blogs). The findings reveal that 92% of surveyed stakeholders—including GCC leaders, consultants, legal experts, and academics—express confidence in the future of Indian GCCs, with 81% acknowledging the significant impact of transformative technologies on operations and strategy. Despite challenges such as talent shortages, integration complexities, and cybersecurity risks, the research underscores the critical role these technologies play in positioning Indian GCCs as global innovation leaders.