Global Capability Centres (GCCs), once mainly focused on cost‑saving and back‑office operations, are now evolving into strategic innovation hubs as companies embrace an AI-first approach. Across India and globally, businesses are moving beyond pilot projects to integrate artificial intelligence into core operations, transforming how GCCs contribute to business growth and value creation.
Many GCCs are adopting generative AI, advanced analytics, and automation to streamline decision-making, optimize workflows, and develop new digital products. This evolution is attracting investment and expanding workforces, with projections suggesting significant growth in GCC employment as AI adoption intensifies over the coming years.
Technology firms are introducing frameworks to help enterprises scale AI effectively within GCCs. These models combine AI infrastructure, reusable tools, and talent development to turn GCCs into engines of innovation rather than mere support centers. The shift reflects a broader industry trend: GCCs are expected to deliver measurable strategic impact, aligning AI initiatives with business outcomes and organisational goals rather than just operational efficiency.
However, challenges remain. Many centres struggle to measure return on investment from AI projects, and a lack of governance and clear performance metrics can prevent pilots from translating into scalable results. Without structured frameworks, the potential of AI in GCCs risks remaining untapped.
Across the enterprise sector, AI adoption is undergoing a reality check. Companies are moving beyond proofs of concept, focusing instead on production-ready systems, measurable performance improvements, and tangible business value. The next phase of AI adoption will be driven by integration into existing processes and alignment with organisational priorities.
For GCCs, this is both an opportunity and a challenge. They can become crucial hubs of innovation and competitive advantage, but only if they succeed in turning experimentation into enterprise-wide impact.