Five Strategic Trends Remaking Global Capability Centers

The rapid expansion of GCCs has hit a structural wall. While India alone now hosts over 2,100 centers generating nearly $100 billion in revenue, the mechanics of scaling these operations remain fragile. Research indicates that more than 72% of new GCC builds suffer from substantial cost overruns or delays within their first two years. Industry experts argue this is not a failure of talent, but a lack of systemic execution.

The Shift Toward AI-Driven Governance

Artificial intelligence has moved from experimental pilot programs to the core of GCC operating models. With 83% of centers investing in Generative AI and over half adopting agentic systems, the challenge has shifted to integration. Despite this, governance is lagging: only 21% of organizations report having a mature framework to manage these autonomous agents. This disconnect often leads to the deployment of AI tools without the necessary redesign of existing workflows, leaving nearly half of firms to struggle with fragmented processes.

Beyond technology, the role of these centers is fundamentally changing. Over half of India-based GCCs now hold shared accountability for global business decisions, moving away from activity-based reporting toward outcome-centered governance. This evolution requires a new breed of leadership capable of aligning human expertise with AI-enabled productivity. As Aokah CEO Atul Vashistha notes, the competitive edge no longer belongs to those with the most ambition, but to those who possess the structured wisdom to execute consistently across a complex, globalized portfolio.