Anticipated tech job growth over the next decade highlights regional focus: Report suggests that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will account for approximately 1.2 million out of a projected 4.7 million new tech positions worldwide by 2027.
According to a recent report by Zee News, the growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India is set to significantly impact the country's tech industry and digital economy.
GCCs and White-Collar Tech Jobs
GCCs are projected to contribute over 22-25% of net new white-collar tech jobs in 2025, a testament to their growing importance. This trend is particularly noticeable in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where the demand for tech talent is on the rise.
Diversity Gains Momentum
Diversity is gaining momentum in GCCs, with women representing 40% of the workforce in the top 20 GCCs. This is 1.5 times the industry average, indicating a positive shift towards inclusivity.
India's AI Market in Hyper-Growth
India's AI market, valued at USD 28.8 billion by 2025, is entering a hyper-growth phase. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 45%, reshaping global job markets and impacting up to 40% of roles, particularly in IT services, customer support, banking and financial services, and healthcare.
Cloud Computing Demand-Supply Mismatch
Similar to AI, cloud computing faces a demand-supply mismatch, with a projected gap of up to 60%. This gap is a growing concern for companies as they strive to meet the increasing demand for cloud services.
Talent Shortage in Emerging Technologies
The talent shortage in emerging technologies, particularly in AI and cloud computing, is a growing concern. For every 10 open roles in AI, only one qualified professional is currently available, and the gap could rise to 53% by 2026.
Addressing the Talent Shortage
Companies are responding to this talent shortage by prioritising AI-first learning models and digital literacy programs to prepare talent for the future. Decentralisation of GCCs into Tier-II and Tier-III engineering campuses is also seen as vital for building a wider pool of skilled professionals.
Future Prospects
By FY25, it is expected that 130,000 to 140,000 graduates will be hired for GCC roles, with many of these hires coming from Tier-II and Tier-III engineering campuses. Over the next three years, it is anticipated that 800 new GCCs will open in India. By 2027, India is expected to host more than 2,100 GCCs, employing around 3 million people.
The Impact on the Digital Economy
The report predicts that by 2027, there will be over 4.7 million fresh tech jobs, with GCCs creating over 1.2 million opportunities. The digital economy is projected to grow twice as fast as the country's overall economy and contribute one-fifth of GDP by 2029-2030.
Without stronger upskilling initiatives, however, the growth ambitions of enterprises could be constrained. Collaborative ways of working are also being emphasized to prepare for the future workforce demands.
In conclusion, the growth of GCCs in India is shaping the future of tech jobs and the digital economy. With a focus on diversity, upskilling, and collaboration, India is poised to become a global leader in AI, cloud computing, and engineering research and development.