Karnataka Emerges as India’s GCC Capital, Leading the Talent and Digital Innovation Market By Elets News Network - 22 August 2024

GCC

Over the past three decades, Global Capability Centres (GCCs) have evolved significantly, shifting from back-office roles to catalysts of growth and innovation.  

Technological advances and the need for digital skills have expanded their offerings. They are now becoming ‘digital twins’ of their headquarters. This means they replicate and integrate all functions and operations of their parent companies. This change creates a seamless digital representation and an interconnected ecosystem, closing any operational gaps.


Karnataka Leading the Way

Karnataka has emerged as the “GCC Capital of India”, with Bengaluru as the main hub. According to a joint report by Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) and ANSR, the state is home to about 570 GCCs in India. It leads the GCC talent market by a wide margin, with twice as much enterprise-ready talent as the next largest location. Moreover, the state is a hotspot for digital capabilities, software innovation, and platform engineering. It houses around 275 Forbes Global 2000 companies.

Known as the “Silicon Valley of India”, Bengaluru holds 39% of India’s GCC market. It also leads in office space absorption by GCCs, accounting for 4.3 million square feet, according to a Knight Frank India – 3AI report. 

Here’s a quick snapshot of the key factors that make Karnataka the leading location for GCC operations.

Digital Talent Hub & Technology Hub 

Bengaluru is the world’s second-largest hub for AI talent, according to the Karnataka Global Capability Center (GCC) Landscape Report. The city is home to over 25% of India’s digital talent, with more than 325,000 professionals. The city has become a major technology and innovation center.

Also, with  Beyond Bengaluru/Spoke-Shore initiative, the state is focused on developing tier-II and tier-III cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Belagavi, which offer low-cost structures and rapid urbanisation.

Leading Startup Ecosystem
Karnataka boasts over 26,000 active startups, with more than 50% being tech-focused. Bengaluru is the unicorn capital of India, with approximately 40% of the country’s unicorns based in the city.

Robust Infrastructure & Pro-Business Environment

State’s significant investments in infrastructure ensure reliable connectivity, well-planned technology parks, and modern amenities. Furthermore, the state government offers incentives and support to international companies, creating a business-friendly climate. 

To build a strong business ecosystem, the state government has been taking various strategic initiatives such as the IT Policy 2020-25, ER&D Policy 2021, Cyber Security Policy, and Data Center Policy, etc. 

The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission promotes collaboration between industry and the Government. This mission seeks to advance the digital economy in Bengaluru and beyond.

Goals for the Next 5 Years

Karnataka aims to attract 3,000 new-age global companies in IT, BPM, ER&D, and software products. The state plans to generate 1 million jobs, boosting employment across various sectors. 

The state government will soon launch the country’s first Global Capability Centres (GCC) policy. The goal is to host over 15% (330) of the world’s top Forbes 2000 enterprises by 2030. 

Elets GCC Future Forum and Awards 

Recognising the growing potential of the GCCs, Elets Technomedia, in collaboration with the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka as Host State Partner, is organising the Elets GCC Future Forum and Awards on 20th September 2024  in Bengaluru.

The event, themed “Bridging Capabilities and Innovations for Tomorrow”, will gather top industry experts, policy-makers, entrepreneurs, and CXOs from sectors including IT/ITeS, BFSI, healthcare, and more for exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices.  

The  forum aims to strengthen India’s growing GCC ecosystem through tech-driven innovations, industry collaborations, and global growth opportunities.

For more information, visit: https://events.eletsonline.com/gcc-future-forum/

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