A new report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) finds that just 8% of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) globally are outperforming in key areas such as innovation, AI maturity, and enterprise-level impact. The report, titled “Rewriting the Global Capability Center Playbook: Scaling Maturity with AI”, highlights that while GCCs are evolving in scope, most remain focused on traditional delivery tasks rather than driving strategic transformation.
Majority of GCCs still underleveraged for transformation
Despite their scale and central role in global operations, the majority of GCCs are not fully activated as innovation engines. The report calls for a redefinition of GCCs from support units to enterprise enablers that lead transformation across business functions. While many GCCs have expanded in size and mandate, only a few are making bold moves toward competitive differentiation and efficiency at scale.
Key contributors to this maturity gap include underinvestment in strategic capabilities, lack of embedded AI, and limited accountability for business outcomes. In contrast, top-performing GCCs are aligning their objectives with enterprise priorities and proactively identifying untapped value pools.
Also read: Semiconductor GCCs Hiring Drops 15% in FY25
AI identified as a core maturity multiplier
The BCG study shows that leading GCCs are leveraging AI as a fundamental driver of operational and strategic maturity. Over 90% of top-performing GCCs have implemented or expanded AI-led Centers of Excellence in the past 18 months. These organizations are moving beyond pilot projects and embedding generative AI, natural language processing, and intelligent agents across workflows to deliver measurable outcomes.
In contrast, less mature GCCs are still in early experimentation phases, treating AI as an add-on rather than an integrated capability. This divergence is becoming a key factor in enterprise competitiveness, especially in industries undergoing rapid digital change.
India among most balanced GCC ecosystems globally
The report identifies India, the United States, and Mexico as the most balanced ecosystems for GCC maturity. India, in particular, stands out for its ability to combine scale, innovation, and operational efficiency—enabling GCCs based in the country to deliver at both volume and value.
Tech, media, and telecom sectors emerged as the most mature, driven by sustained investment in AI adoption and innovation depth. These sectors are leveraging their GCCs to lead enterprise-wide digital and AI transformations.
A playbook for GCC acceleration
To help bridge the maturity gap, the report offers a three-step framework:
Define a bold vision aligned with enterprise goals.
Prioritize value pools where GCCs can differentiate and lead.
Conduct structured diagnostics to map capability gaps and create a transformation roadmap.
BCG concludes that the next era of global enterprise transformation will be shaped by GCCs that take ownership of outcomes, embed AI at scale, and elevate their roles from delivery engines to strategic innovation hubs. Those that invest in advanced talent models and align close
