GCC 2.0: Welcome to the Next Chapter in Global Operating Strategy
- Samantha McManus
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 31
For over two decades, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have enabled enterprises to streamline operations, reduce costs, and access top global talent. But today’s market realities demand something more. For global companies navigating digital transformation, talent disruption, and rapidly shifting customer expectations, the traditional GCC model is no longer enough.
A new chapter is here—GCC 2.0—and it’s fundamentally reshaping how the world’s leading companies build their global talent strategy.
What is GCC 2.0?
GCC 2.0 is the next-generation global capability center model that integrates AI, digital engineering, and agile practices to drive enterprise transformation and innovation at scale. At SMC Squared, now part of Hexaware Technologies, we see GCC 2.0 not just as an evolution, but a strategic redefinition of what a global capability center can be: an engine for AI driven modernization, innovation and agility, unlocking long-term enterprise value.
Why GCC 2.0 Matters in Today’s Digital Transformation Era
Enterprise leaders are under pressure to deliver more—faster, smarter, and with a clear business outcome. SMC Squared and Hexaware’s GCC 2.0 model rises to this challenge by shifting away from transactional operations and traditional ways of thinking. We introduce a marketing leading concept that bring human talent and agentic AI together for impactful results:
Innovation-First Thinking: Embedding digital engineering, AI, and advanced analytics directly into capability center charters.
Business-Aligned Delivery: Tightly linking GCC performance to enterprise outcomes—growth, speed to market, and customer experience.
Talent-Centric Models: Creating environments that attract, develop, and retain world-class digital talent.
Agile Operating Structures: Replacing rigid process-driven teams with agile, product-oriented squads that can adapt to change quickly.
Outcome Based Focus: Hyper focused on delivering AI imbedded solutions, we design GCC 2.0 custom solutions for outcomes, savings, innovation and market performance.
How GCC 2.0 Transforms Support Centers into Strategic Business Assets
In the GCC 2.0 model, Global Capability Centers become core to the enterprise’s ability to innovate at scale, respond to market shifts, and deliver continuous transformation.
For Global 2000 organizations, this means:
Building digital products and platforms from offshore centers that contribute directly to revenue.
Leading AI-first initiatives with globally distributed teams skilled in machine learning, data architecture, and automation.
Establishing collaborative innovation ecosystems across internal teams, universities, and startups.
Moving beyond metrics to focus on customer value and business agility.
Key Success Factors for Implementing a GCC 2.0 Model?
The most successful GCC transformations are intentional from day one. It’s not about layering new tools onto legacy structures—it’s about reimagining what the center is designed to achieve.
At SMC Squared, we help Global 2000 enterprises:
Design for Scalability and Agility: Architect GCCs that evolve alongside business goals, with modular frameworks and governance built in.
Accelerate Transformation: Launch initiatives that demonstrate quick wins while laying the foundation for sustainable change.
Modernize Legacy Assets and Harness the Future: using Hexaware platforms and experience.
Attract and Enable Top Talent: Build high-performance teams that combine global scale with innovation mindset.
Establish Outcome-Based Governance: Tie GCC success to the KPIs that matter most—speed, quality, satisfaction, and growth.
