As enterprises accelerate digital transformation, the Global Capability Center (GCC) evolves from a cost-efficiency engine to a strategic innovation hub. Today, the most forward-looking organizations are asking:
How do we build an AI-first GCC that drives transformation, not just operations?
Whether you're setting up a GCC for the first time or evolving an existing one, this article outlines the blueprint for an AI-first GCC covering infrastructure, security, AI enablement, operating model, organizational structure, and the path forward.
An AI-first GCC is designed to:
India remains a top destination for GCCs due to its deep talent pool, cost advantages, and thriving tech ecosystem. However, success depends on strategic clarity, governance control, and the right operating model.
When working with third-party setup partners, especially in India, enterprises must ensure:
| Role | Reports To (Global) | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GCC Site Head (India) | Head of GCC Strategy | Delivery, governance, stakeholder alignment |
| Delivery, governance, stakeholder alignment | Chief Data & AI Officer | AI CoE, model development, innovation |
| Head of Engineering & Cloud | CTO | Cloud platforms, DevOps, and telemetry |
| Head of Cybersecurity | CISO | Zero Trust, audits, compliance |
| Head of Talent & Culture | CHRO | Hiring, retention, and learning |
| Program Managers | GCC Site Head | Agile delivery, pods, sprints |
| Functional Leads | Business Unit Heads | Domain alignment, business impact |
| Priority | Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| High | Provider lock-in & exclusivity | Negotiate vendor-agnostic contracts; retain architectural control |
| High | Opaque governance models | Define clear governance structures; ensure transparency |
| Medium | Talent acquisition & retention | Competitive salaries, career growth, and a strong employer brand |
| Medium | Security & compliance | Zero Trust, DLP, SIEM/SOAR, local legal expertise |
| Medium | Regulatory constraints | Regional cloud zones, federated learning, and data anonymization |
| Low | Infrastructure complexity | Modular, cloud-native architectures; experienced infra partners |
| Low | Cultural alignment | Shared OKRs, cross-functional squads, rotational leadership |
| Low | AI governance | Responsible AI frameworks, third-party monitoring tools |
| Low | Underutilization of AI | Prioritize high-impact use cases; embed AI into core processes |
| Model | Best For | Control | Setup Speed | Innovation Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI-First GCC | Strategic transformation | High | Medium | High |
| Traditional GCC | Cost optimization | High | Medium | Low |
| Hybrid GCC + Vendor | Balanced delivery | Medium | Fast | Medium |
| Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) | Fast entry with future control | Medium → High | Fast | Medium |
| Federated Innovation Hubs | Agile innovation | High | Medium | High |
| Vendor-Led Centers | Rapid scale | Low | Fast | Low |
| Remote-First Teams | Flexibility | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Ideal Candidates
Not Yet Ready
If you already have a traditional GCC, here’s how to evolve toward AI-first:
An AI-first GCC is not just a facility. It is a strategic asset. Whether you're starting fresh or evolving an existing center, the opportunity is clear:
Move beyond cost and scale toward innovation and transformation.
Start with a bold vision. Invest in the right infrastructure. Design a transparent operating model. Most importantly, you should retain control over your architecture, governance, and vendor strategy to ensure long-term flexibility and success.