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India’s rise as a global technology leader has been nothing short of remarkable. In just a few decades, the country has established itself as a major hub for Global Capability Centers (GCCs), with over 1,580 centers now operating across the country. This tremendous growth is a testament to India’s vast pool of skilled technology talent and its enabling environment for digital innovation.
However, India’s success goes beyond its strength as a delivery center for technology services. The country is now home to a new generation of leaders who are driving critical business outcomes for global organizations. Over 42% of global company headquarters today manage end-to-end solutions out of India – a significant increase compared to just a decade ago.
The expansion of leadership roles is evident. Since 2015, the number of global leadership positions in Indian Global Capability Centers (GCCs) has grown from 115 to over 5,000 today. These roles cut across functions like engineering, operations, product management and more. By 2030, we believe that there will be as many as 20,000 global leaders based out of India, spearheading innovation and strategy for global corporations.
There are several factors fueling this rapid ascent. India possesses the second-largest pool of digitally skilled talent globally. Bolstered by a vibrant start-up ecosystem, strong Service Provider community, and cutting-edge academic research, Indian tech talent is delivering unmatched value. As technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Intelligent Automation transform industries, global companies are realizing India’s ability to lead digital transformation initiatives.
However, competition for digital skills is intense. Start-ups, Indian Enterprises, and Service Providers vie for the same talent pools. Organizations that create compelling employee value propositions through empowering work cultures, learning opportunities, and entrepreneurial mindsets will attract and retain the best talent.
As India cements its position as a true digital leader, organizations must double down on leadership development. Women leaders in particular need to be groomed – while their numbers have grown substantially, there remains room for progress. Investing in developing visionary leaders will be the key differentiator for companies looking to succeed in the digital future. Leveraging India’s talent strengths while evolving workplace culture and leadership capabilities will drive the next wave of tech innovation and anchor the country’s reputation as a wellspring of global leadership.
This Zinnov report, “India GCCs: A Sandbox for Global Leadership,” provides a comprehensive overview of the growth of global roles in Indian Global Capability Centers (GCCs), domain-wise insights on companies and their talent approach, key leadership challenges and how to overcome them, as well as future trends. We believe that this report will aid senior leadership across various organizations to foster and create global leadership pipelines through targeted initiatives.