Introduction: India’s Electronics Manufacturing and GCC Boom

India is rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse in electronics manufacturing and semiconductor chip design. This growth is catalyzed by progressive government policies, robust investments, and the strategic expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs). As highlighted by Sunil Mittal’s recent statements, the country is taking significant steps in the right direction to secure its place in the global technology value chain.

This article delves into the current landscape of electronics manufacturing and chip design in India, the pivotal role of GCCs, and how professional services firms—especially those with deep talent market expertise like Han Digital—are uniquely positioned to support organizations in this transformative journey.

Sunil Mittal’s Perspective: India’s Strategic Moves in Electronics and Semiconductor Sectors

During a recent industry event, Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Mittal underscored the critical importance of India’s electronics and semiconductor sectors. He emphasized that the government’s proactive policies and the industry’s collaborative approach are laying the foundation for India to become a global leader in electronics manufacturing and chip design.

Mittal remarked, “India is on the right path. The steps taken in electronics manufacturing, semiconductor design, and the rapid expansion of GCCs are positioning the country for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.” (Source: Social News XYZ).

The Indian Electronics Manufacturing and Chip Design Ecosystem: 2024-2025 Outlook

According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) and recent McKinsey research (2024), India’s electronics manufacturing sector is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2026, with semiconductor demand alone expected to surpass USD 110 billion by 2030. The government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and investments in semiconductor fabs are attracting global giants and spurring homegrown innovation.

• Key Growth Drivers: Policy support, skilled talent, cost competitiveness, and a robust startup ecosystem.
• Major Investments: Over $10 billion committed to semiconductor manufacturing and design, with leading firms like Tata Electronics, Vedanta-Foxconn, and Micron Technology setting up operations.
• Workforce Expansion: The sector is expected to generate over 1 million new jobs by 2026, according to NASSCOM’s Semiconductor Talent Report 2023.

India’s evolution from an electronics consumer to a global manufacturing and design hub is accelerating. The rise of GCCs is integral to this transformation.

Global Capability Centres (GCCs): Catalysts for Innovation and Value Creation

GCCs—also known as Global In-house Centres (GICs)—are specialized hubs established by multinational corporations to drive R&D, engineering, design, and digital transformation. India is home to over 1,580 GCCs, employing more than 1.66 million professionals (NASSCOM, 2024).

Why GCCs Choose India:

• Access to a vast pool of STEM talent and leadership.
• Cost-effective operations and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
• Supportive regulatory environment and IP protection.
• Proximity to emerging markets and supply chain ecosystems.

According to EY’s 2024 GCC report, India’s GCCs are evolving from cost centers to strategic innovation hubs, contributing to product design, semiconductor R&D, and digital transformation for Fortune 500 companies.

Recent Research: GCC Growth and Talent Trends (2023-2024)

Recent research by NASSCOM and Gartner reveals:

• India’s GCCs will drive 30% of global digital engineering spend by 2026.
• Semiconductor and electronics GCCs are focusing on advanced chip design, embedded systems, and AI-driven manufacturing.
• Leadership hiring, digital skills, and cross-functional expertise are top priorities for GCCs scaling operations in India.

Professional services companies establishing or expanding GCCs in India must navigate a dynamic talent landscape, regulatory compliance, and evolving technology needs. This is where specialized partners like Han Digital make a difference.

Han Digital: Empowering GCCs with Talent Intelligence and Leadership Networks

Han Digital is a leading talent intelligence and consulting firm with deep expertise in the Indian and global technology talent markets. With over two decades of experience, Han Digital has been instrumental in supporting global organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, to establish and scale their GCCs in India.

Han Digital’s Unique Value Proposition:

• Comprehensive Talent Mapping: Proprietary research and analytics to identify niche talent pools in electronics, semiconductors, and digital engineering.
• Leadership Hiring: Strong connections with senior leadership, enabling rapid and strategic hiring for CXO, VP, and Director roles in GCCs.
• Market Intelligence: Real-time insights on compensation trends, skills availability, and competitor benchmarking.
• Customized Talent Solutions: Tailored strategies for talent acquisition, diversity hiring, and workforce planning for new and expanding GCCs.

By leveraging Han Digital’s unique understanding of the talent ecosystem, professional services companies can de-risk their GCC expansion, accelerate time-to-market, and build high-performing teams aligned with global business objectives.

Case Study: Enabling a Semiconductor GCC’s Rapid Scale-Up in India

In 2023, a leading US-based semiconductor company partnered with Han Digital to establish its first GCC in Bangalore. The client’s objectives included rapid ramp-up of engineering teams, hiring industry veterans for leadership roles, and building a diverse talent pipeline.

• Han Digital deployed its proprietary talent mapping tools to identify over 2,000 relevant chip design and embedded systems professionals.
• Within six months, Han Digital facilitated the hiring of a complete leadership team, including a GCC Head, Engineering Director, and HR Lead.
• The client achieved 30% faster time-to-hire and 20% higher retention compared to industry benchmarks.

This case exemplifies Han Digital’s ability to bridge the talent gap for global organizations entering India’s electronics and semiconductor sectors.

Best Practices for Professional Services Companies Establishing GCCs in India

Based on recent research and market experience, here are actionable steps for professional services firms and MNCs looking to establish or expand GCCs in India’s electronics and chip sectors:

1. Conduct In-Depth Talent Market Analysis: Leverage data-driven insights to identify talent hotspots, skill availability, and compensation benchmarks.
2. Engage with Local Leadership Networks: Build relationships with seasoned leaders who understand India’s technology and regulatory landscape.
3. Prioritize Diversity and Inclusion: Tap into India’s diverse talent pools to foster innovation and global alignment.
4. Invest in Upskilling and Learning: Partner with universities, skilling platforms, and industry bodies to ensure continuous talent development.
5. Collaborate with Talent Intelligence Partners: Work with firms like Han Digital to access proprietary research, talent mapping, and leadership hiring expertise.

By following these best practices, organizations can maximize their GCC investments and contribute to India’s vision of becoming a global technology leader.

Government Initiatives and Future Outlook

The Indian government’s focus on “Make in India,” semiconductor self-reliance, and digital transformation is expected to further accelerate GCC growth. Key initiatives include:

• Semicon India Program: $10 billion incentive scheme for semiconductor manufacturing and design.
• PLI Schemes: Targeted incentives for electronics manufacturing, R&D, and component production.
• Skilling Initiatives: Partnerships with industry and academia to develop next-generation electronics and chip design talent.

According to Deloitte’s 2024 report, India could become one of the top five global semiconductor markets by 2030, provided it continues to invest in talent, infrastructure, and innovation.

Conclusion: Seizing the Opportunity—India’s Electronics and GCC Revolution

India’s electronics manufacturing and chip design sectors are at an inflection point, driven by visionary leadership, government support, and the strategic expansion of GCCs. As Sunil Mittal aptly stated, the country is taking the right steps to secure its place in the global technology ecosystem.

For professional services companies, the opportunity lies in leveraging India’s talent advantage, robust infrastructure, and innovation-driven GCC ecosystem. By partnering with talent intelligence leaders like Han Digital, organizations can navigate the complexities of the Indian market, attract top-tier talent, and build future-ready GCCs that deliver global impact.

Ready to establish or expand your GCC in India’s dynamic electronics and chip design sector? Contact Han Digital for a tailored talent intelligence consultation and unlock your organization’s full potential.