GCC Next Summit 2024: Chennai’s Bold Leap into the Future of Global Capability Centers

On November 27, 2024, Chennai played host to the transformative GCC Next Summit 2024, a landmark event that brought together over 300 leaders from Global Capability Centers (GCCs), government bodies, and industry innovators. Held at the prestigious ITC Grand Chola, the summit underscored Tamil Nadu's ambition to become a premier destination for global innovation, talent development, and digital transformation.

A Gathering of Visionaries

The summit featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Subram Natarajan (CTO, Google Cloud), Prabhu Palanisamy (Head of IT, Chevron), Kaushik Dey (Global Director, Ericsson Research), and Minu Agarwal (Executive Director, Standard Chartered Bank). Government leaders such as Thiru V. Arun Roy IAS, Secretary of Industries, and J. Innocent Divya IAS, Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation, emphasized the state's commitment to fostering a robust GCC ecosystem.

Key Themes and Insights

1. Talent Development & Scaling

Sessions highlighted strategies for attracting, retaining, and upskilling talent in Tamil Nadu. Discussions delved into leveraging Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and how GCCs can create a competitive edge by fostering talent.

2. Knowledge Arbitrage

The summit explored how GCCs are evolving from cost centers to knowledge hubs, leveraging India's talent to create strategic advantages globally.

3. Government Incentives & Infrastructure

Critical evaluations were made on the effectiveness of government policies in supporting GCC growth, with discussions on necessary measures to bolster the industry’s expansion.

4. Product Innovation

GCCs' role in driving product development and innovation was a focal point, emphasizing their transition from traditional service delivery to integral parts of global R&D strategies.

Celebrating Excellence

The summit also recognized outstanding contributions through the GCC Excellence Awards, honoring pioneers in categories such as 'Path Finder', 'Young Achiever', and 'Future Ready GCC in Technology'.

Chennai: The Emerging GCC Powerhouse

Chennai has solidified its position as a preferred hub for global corporates, accounting for 11% of India’s GCC talent. The city currently houses over 250 GCC units, with projections to rise to 450–460 by 2030. This growth is underpinned by a diverse talent mix and state government initiatives in workforce training and industry-academia collaboration.

Looking Ahead: GCC Next Summit 2025

Building on the momentum of 2024, the upcoming GCC Next Summit 2025 promises to be an even more dynamic convergence of ideas, innovation, and leadership. Whether you're a tech leader, policy maker, or aspiring professional, this summit offers unparalleled opportunities to engage with the future of global capability centers.

Stay tuned for updates and registration details. Join us in shaping the next frontier of global innovation in Tamil Nadu!