Scaling a business globally isn’t just about expanding headcount or opening new offices. It’s about accessing specialised talent, maintaining regulatory compliance, and controlling infrastructure costs whilst staying competitive.
Many enterprises face fragmented processes, talent shortages, and market complexity that delay expansion and inflate overhead. Global Capability Centres (GCC) and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT model) provide structured solutions. The GCC market, valued at over $70 billion in 2024, is projected to exceed $80 billion by 2025, yet only 8% of GCCs have advanced significantly across innovation, competitive differentiation, and operational efficiency.
what are GCC and the BOT model?
Global Capability Centres (GCCs) consolidate IT, finance, and customer operations offshore under direct organisational control. Unlike traditional outsourcing, GCCs are wholly owned and operated by the parent company, which ensures direct strategic alignment and complete operational control. India hosts over 1,600 GCCs employing more than 1.66 million professionals.
The Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model unfolds in three phases: a partner builds infrastructure and handles compliance, operates the centre whilst optimising workflows, then transfers ownership once predefined benchmarks are met. BOT adoption has surged; 40% of new Indian GCC setups now use this model, up from less than 10% two years ago.
This approach lets enterprises scale without bearing full setup costs upfront.
challenges in scaling global operations
The GCC market is expected to reach $100 billion by 2030, with headcount projected to exceed 2.5 million professionals globally. This rapid growth intensifies the challenges enterprises face:
infrastructure costs and talent scarcity
Entering new markets involves significant investment in infrastructure, technology systems, and compliance frameworks. Without centralised processes, costs can spiral quickly, undermining efficiency.
talent acquisition and retention
Recruiting professionals with both technical expertise and local market knowledge is a persistent challenge. With the imminent global talent shortage, companies are pushed to compete aggressively for scarce resources.
complex and evolving regulatory environments
Each market brings unique requirements in data privacy, employment law, and taxation. Staying compliant with mandates such as GDPR or India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 demands continuous monitoring and strong governance.
security, continuity, and risk management
Global operations expose businesses to higher cybersecurity risks and potential service disruptions. Ensuring data protection and business continuity across dispersed teams requires scalable, resilient security frameworks.
GCC and the BOT model address these challenges through structured implementation while maintaining organisational control and accelerating time-to-value.
implementing GCC and the BOT model
Setting up a GCC or BOT model requires strategic alignment, structured planning, and phased execution. For organisations scaling a business across borders, these steps provide a structured roadmap:
define strategic objectives and location
Organisations should align the GCC or BOT centre’s scope with enterprise-wide transformation goals. Selecting the right location is critical. Regions like India offer access to over 1.5 million engineering graduates annually and a mature technology ecosystem.
conduct feasibility studies and build frameworks
A comprehensive feasibility study helps assess market conditions, regulatory requirements, cost structures, and operational risks. Establishing robust governance frameworks, compliance protocols, and reporting structures ensures accountability from day one.
recruit talent and implement technology
Recruiting skilled professionals and investing in continuous development builds organisational capability. Secure IT systems enable real-time communication, data protection, and process automation.
execute transition and optimise
For a BOT model specifically, the transition phase demands careful knowledge transfer and process handover. Continuous monitoring using KPIs and operational audits helps refine efficiency.
key benefits of GCC and the BOT model
GCC and the BOT Model provide a structured framework for scaling a business efficiently across markets.
operational efficiency and cost optimisation
By centralising IT, finance, and customer operations, GCC and BOT frameworks improve consistency and reduce costs. GCCs can deliver 15%–20% additional savings over traditional outsourcing, while Offshore Development Centres (ODCs) can enhance productivity by 20%–25% compared to conventional setups [2. These efficiencies free up resources for innovation and growth.
access to skilled talent and scalability
GCCs provide organisations with continuous access to specialised talent from across the globe. This model allows enterprises to scale capacity flexibly without disrupting existing operations.
stronger governance and competitive advantage
Robust governance and compliance frameworks reduce operational risk while ensuring business continuity. Organisations leveraging GCC and the BOT model gain faster time-to-market, operational stability, and a clear competitive edge when scaling a business in global markets.
how can Infosys BPM help implement the BOT model?
Infosys BPM helps organisations apply GCC and the BOT model, providing a structured path for scaling a business with speed and resilience. Our Global Capability Centre services support end-to-end setup, transition, and operations, enabling faster time-to-market and sustained cost efficiency.
