India is experiencing a significant transformation in its commercial real estate landscape, driven primarily by the rapid expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs). These centers, operated by multinational corporations, have transitioned from traditional back-office roles to becoming strategic hubs for innovation, digital transformation, and business intelligence. With this shift, the demand for high-quality, flexible, and managed office spaces has surged across the country.

This growing trend is redefining how and where companies operate, and presents immense opportunities for developers, operators, and emerging tech hubs like Infopark.

Evolution of GCCs in India

GCCs have become critical to the global operations of MNCs, managing core functions such as research and development, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, and financial services. India has proven to be an ideal destination for these centers due to its vast talent pool, competitive costs, and robust digital infrastructure.

There are currently over 1,750 GCCs operating in India, and this number is expected to surpass 2,000 by the end of the decade. These centers now employ nearly two million professionals and contribute significantly to the country’s office space absorption—accounting for almost 40% of the total leasing activity across top-tier cities.

This remarkable growth has positioned India not just as a cost-effective delivery center, but as a high-value innovation hub within the global enterprise ecosystem.

Key Drivers of Managed Space Demand

One of the most notable outcomes of GCC expansion is the spike in demand for managed office spaces. These are fully equipped, plug-and-play workspaces that allow businesses to scale rapidly without the complexities of setting up traditional offices. This model is increasingly favored by GCCs for several reasons:

1. Speed and Efficiency: Managed spaces enable quicker setup times, crucial for companies looking to establish operations swiftly.
   
   

2. Cost Optimization: With shared services and infrastructure, managed offices offer better cost control.
   
   

3. Flexibility: These spaces are ideal for dynamic teams and hybrid work models.
   
   

4. Focus on Core Functions: Companies can focus on strategic goals while leaving workspace management to experts.
   
   

As GCCs move towards more agile and technology-driven operations, they require workplaces that can evolve with them. Managed office solutions are uniquely positioned to meet these expectations.

Location Preferences and City Trends

Bengaluru remains the most preferred destination for GCCs in India, followed closely by Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. These cities offer mature ecosystems, strong connectivity, a large talent base, and well-developed infrastructure.

Interestingly, cities like Kochi are also emerging as attractive alternatives. With supportive government policies and modern IT parks like Infopark, Kochi is increasingly becoming a destination for GCCs looking to diversify beyond traditional metros.

Infopark offers a compelling value proposition with high-quality office spaces, access to skilled professionals, and a growing ecosystem for global businesses. Its infrastructure and strategic location make it a strong contender for future GCC investments.

ESG and Sustainability Considerations

Another major shift observed among GCCs is their preference for green-certified and sustainable office environments. As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals gain prominence globally, companies are seeking workspaces that align with these values.

Managed office providers are adapting quickly by offering spaces in green-certified buildings, incorporating energy-efficient systems, and promoting responsible practices. For GCCs, operating from such locations helps meet their sustainability benchmarks while enhancing brand reputation.

In fact, a significant portion of GCCs’ leasing activity now happens in buildings that meet green standards, often commanding rental premiums due to their eco-friendly design and efficient operations.

Managed Offices: The Preferred Model for the Future

Managed office spaces have become the preferred choice for mid-sized and large GCCs due to their scalability, premium facilities, and comprehensive support services. These workspaces typically include:

• High-speed connectivity
  
  

• Ergonomic and modern workstations
  
  

• Meeting and collaboration zones
  
  

• Cafeterias and wellness areas
  
  

• On-demand IT and administrative support
  
  

More importantly, managed spaces help companies maintain operational flexibility, especially in uncertain market conditions. They offer options for short-term and long-term leases, allowing organizations to adapt quickly to changes in strategy or headcount.

This flexibility is especially valuable for sectors like technology, BFSI, healthcare, and consulting—many of which are core industries within the GCC ecosystem.

Government Support and Policy Interventions

The rapid growth of GCCs is also supported by proactive government policies in India. Several state governments have introduced incentives to attract global corporations, including:

• Financial grants and tax benefits
  
  

• Infrastructure support for tech parks
  
  

• Startup incubators and skill development programs
  
  

• Single-window clearance systems for faster business setup
  
  

These measures have created a favorable environment for companies looking to establish or expand their GCCs in India. As a result, newer destinations like Kochi are becoming increasingly competitive on the national stage.

Infopark, for example, benefits from Kerala’s digital-first initiatives and is supported by a strong talent ecosystem that spans engineering, IT, and digital services. For companies seeking a cost-effective yet high-quality alternative to traditional hubs, Infopark offers a compelling choice.

The Future Outlook: Sustained Growth Ahead

With the continued global push for digital transformation, the role of GCCs will only become more critical. As MNCs seek to centralize knowledge functions and drive innovation from a single location, India is set to remain the destination of choice.

Managed office providers will need to keep up with evolving expectations by offering:

• Enterprise-grade security
  
  

• Customizable office configurations
  
  

• Seamless digital integration
  
  

• Wellness-focused workspace designs
  
  

• Compliance-ready infrastructure
  
  

Additionally, developers and business parks that offer a blend of managed spaces, sustainability credentials, and smart technologies will be well-positioned to attract this growing demand.

Conclusion

The rise of Global Capability Centres in India has redefined what businesses expect from commercial workspaces. No longer confined to traditional roles or conventional office setups, today’s GCCs are dynamic engines of global innovation—and they need workplaces that reflect this ambition.

Managed office spaces have emerged as a perfect match for these requirements, offering flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. As the landscape continues to evolve, tech hubs like Infopark are playing a crucial role in supporting this transformation—by providing world-class infrastructure, business-friendly policies, and a thriving professional ecosystem.