Future-proofing Global Capability Centres in a Shifting Landscape
17 MAY, 2025 / 03 min read
As the global business landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are finding themselves at the forefront of navigating complex challenges. Geopolitical risks, regulatory complexities, and technological disruptions are just a few of the hurdles that GCCs must overcome to remain competitive.
The question is no longer whether GCCs will face challenges, but rather how they will respond to them. By embracing resilience and adaptability, GCCs can turn potential obstacles into opportunities, ensuring their continued relevance and success in a rapidly changing world.
Top Geopolitical Risks for 2025
The Nasscom GCC summit held in Hyderabad on April 22, 2025 highlighted that GCCs must navigate these challenges while ensuring business continuity and adapting to changing requirements. Economic pressures, such as recessionary winds and tariff uncertainty, further complicate the landscape. Regulatory complexities, including evolving labour laws and data governance requirements, demand attention.
Technological advancements, including the adoption of GenAI and digital transformation, are transforming the way GCCs operate. GCCs are leveraging these technologies to drive productivity, innovation, and customer-centricity. However, they must also address digital risks, including defining ROI for new technologies and establishing ethical guardrails.
India’s GCC sector has been a significant beneficiary of the global shift towards digital transformation. With many companies setting up GCCs in India to leverage the country’s vast talent pool, the sector has grown rapidly. However, GCCs in India must now navigate the emerging geopolitical situation, including rising tensions between nations and shifting global alliances.
The summit underlined that to futureproof themselves, GCCs must address six major curveballs: geopolitical risks, value narrative and global misalignment, rigid operating models, evolving regulations, talent and leadership deficits, and digital risks. By adopting actionable strategies such as operational excellence, talent development, and customer-centricity, GCCs can navigate uncertainties and drive enterprise value.
GCCs can build resilience and adaptability by treating risk as an asset and aligning enterprise risk management with strategic objectives. Investing in talent development, including strengthening talent exchange and career development, can help GCCs address talent deficits. Prioritizing customer-centricity through digital marketing and branding can enhance customer experience and drive business growth.
The Indian government has taken steps to support the GCC sector, including providing infrastructure support and promoting the country as a destination for GCCs. However, GCCs must be proactive in addressing the challenges ahead, including navigating the complex regulatory landscape and ensuring business continuity in the face of geopolitical uncertainty. GCCs that prioritize agility, innovation, and collaboration will be best positioned to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.
