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The article examines whether Global Capability Centres (GCCs) can thrive in a world shifting away from globalisation and toward protectionism. It notes that the GCC market is growing fast, with projections estimating it could reach over $400 billion by 2032, driven by innovation, analytics, automation and cloud technologies. GCCs have moved well beyond basic shared services to strategic roles in finance, innovation and product development, but only a small share have reached high maturity in delivering enterprise value.
To survive in the deglobalisation era, the piece argues GCCs must embrace AI-first, data-driven, cloud-centric models that boost operational efficiency and strategic impact. Real-time analytics and automation help shift teams away from routine tasks toward higher-value initiatives. Investing in talent with AI, data and cybersecurity skills is critical, and India’s large ICT workforce gives it a competitive edge.
GCCs also face risks from rising protectionist policies, stricter data residency rules and fragmented supply chains that threaten traditional cross-border models. Only organisations that reinvent themselves as innovation and value hubs can remain competitive. Strategic recommendations include building digital sovereignty, expanding service portfolios, strengthening local talent pipelines, and boosting cybersecurity to meet regulatory requirements.
This balanced transformation, not just cost focus, will determine which GCCs prosper as global economic structures evolve.
