Transforming Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India: AI-First Innovation Hubs

India’s Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are at a pivotal inflection point. Once viewed primarily as cost-efficient back offices, GCCs in India are rapidly evolving into strategic engines of innovation, digital transformation, and business growth for global enterprises. With over 1,700 GCCs already established and projections to double by 2030, India is cementing its status as the world’s GCC capital—contributing more than 1% to the nation’s GDP and serving as a launchpad for global digital ambition.

Publicis Sapient is leading this transformation with a new initiative designed to help enterprises establish, scale, and reinvent their GCCs in India as AI-first innovation hubs. Our approach is built on deep digital expertise, a transformative mindset, and a proven model for operational excellence and value creation.

The Strategic Importance of India as a GCC Hub

India’s unique combination of scale, digital talent, and innovation ecosystem makes it the ideal location for next-generation GCCs. As global enterprises recalibrate their operating models for speed, resilience, and agility, India’s GCC ecosystem offers:

Access to a deep, diverse talent pool with advanced digital, engineering, and AI skills
A robust digital infrastructure that supports rapid scaling and integration with global operations
A thriving innovation ecosystem that fosters collaboration, experimentation, and continuous improvement

Enterprises are increasingly recognizing that GCCs in India can deliver far more than operational support—they can drive strategic value, accelerate digital transformation, and unlock new business opportunities.

The Establish–Scale–Acquire Model: A Blueprint for GCC Transformation

Publicis Sapient’s new focus area in India is anchored in the Establish–Scale–Acquire model, designed to support enterprises at every stage of their GCC journey:

Establish: We help organizations set up AI-first, culturally aligned GCCs that operate as seamless extensions of their core business. This includes designing governance models, embedding digital and AI capabilities from day one, and ensuring compliance and scalability.
Scale: For existing GCCs, we enable the evolution into future-ready, innovation-driven hubs. Our approach focuses on capability building, performance management, and continuous improvement—empowering GCCs to deliver measurable business value and impact.
Acquire: We support organizations in transforming under-leveraged or acquired GCCs into strategic value centers. This involves reinvention through digital modernization, AI integration, and alignment with enterprise growth objectives.

AI and Digital Transformation: Turning GCCs into Value Creators

The future of GCCs is AI-first. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced analytics, GCCs can move beyond cost efficiency to become true engines of innovation and growth. Publicis Sapient brings:

End-to-end digital business transformation expertise across Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI (SPEED)
Proven AI and cloud capabilities through partnerships with leading technology providers, enabling rapid adoption of generative AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making
A track record of delivering measurable outcomes—from modernizing legacy systems and accelerating software development lifecycles to enabling new revenue streams and enhancing customer experiences

Our AI-first approach ensures that GCCs are not just keeping pace with change, but leading it—unlocking new value pools, driving operational agility, and supporting enterprise-wide transformation.

Why Partner with Publicis Sapient?

As the role of GCCs evolves, enterprises need a partner with the vision, expertise, and execution capability to deliver transformation at scale. Publicis Sapient’s commitment to the Indian GCC ecosystem is rooted in:

Deep digital and AI expertise—with a global team of 20,000+ professionals and a culture of curiosity and innovation
A data-driven, agile approach that equips organizations for continuous change and long-term impact
A proven ability to deliver at every stage of the GCC lifecycle, from greenfield establishment to large-scale transformation and reinvention

Our clients increasingly view GCCs not just as cost centers, but as engines of transformation. With Publicis Sapient, enterprises can tap into India’s talent and innovation ecosystem in a scalable, compliant, and future-focused way—positioning their GCCs as strategic value creators for the digital age.

Ready to Transform Your GCC?