Introduction

India, with its vast population and dynamic economic landscape, is rapidly emerging as a global technology powerhouse. Despite its remarkable growth in the digital sector, the country continues to have one of the lowest personal computer (PC) ownership rates among major economies. This unique context presents a significant opportunity for global capability centres (GCCs) and professional services companies looking to establish or expand their presence in India. According to Paul Bay, CEO of Irvine, this low PC penetration is a key factor that makes India a promising market for technology-driven growth (Financial Express).

In this article, we analyze the implications of low PC ownership in India, the opportunities it creates for GCCs, and how organizations like Han Digital leverage their deep understanding of the Indian talent market to facilitate successful global expansions. We also reference recent research and trends relevant to professional services companies aiming to establish or scale their GCCs in India.

India’s PC Ownership Landscape: A Snapshot

According to the latest data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) and Statista (2023), India’s PC penetration rate remains below 15%, compared to over 70% in developed economies such as the US and Western Europe. The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) 2023 also highlights that less than 10% of Indian households own a desktop or laptop computer. While smartphone adoption has soared, PCs remain underrepresented in Indian homes and small businesses.

This low PC ownership is not merely a reflection of affordability but also of evolving digital consumption patterns. Many Indians rely on smartphones for their digital needs, from education to business, bypassing traditional desktop and laptop usage. However, as digital transformation accelerates across sectors, the demand for PCs and related infrastructure is expected to surge, especially in the context of remote work and hybrid business models.

Paul Bay’s Perspective: India as a Promising Market

In a recent interview with Financial Express, Paul Bay, CEO of Irvine, emphasized that India’s low PC ownership presents a unique growth opportunity for technology providers, professional services firms, and GCCs. He stated:

“India’s low PC penetration means there is a large untapped market, not just for hardware sales but for the entire ecosystem of digital services, software, and support. As businesses and educational institutions embrace digital transformation, the demand for PCs and related services will skyrocket. This makes India a highly promising market for global players.”

Bay further noted that the increasing focus on digital literacy, government initiatives like Digital India, and the push for remote and hybrid work are all contributing to a rising demand for PCs and digital infrastructure. For global capability centres, this translates into a fertile ground for investment and innovation.

Opportunities for Global Capability Centres (GCCs)

Global capability centres, also known as global in-house centres (GICs), have become a cornerstone of India’s IT and business services landscape. According to NASSCOM’s 2024 Strategic Review, India hosts over 1,600 GCCs, employing more than 1.66 million professionals and contributing significantly to the country’s export revenues.

The low PC ownership scenario offers several opportunities for GCCs:

• Market Expansion: GCCs can drive digital adoption by developing customized solutions for Indian consumers and businesses, addressing unique local needs.
• Innovation Hubs: The untapped PC market allows GCCs to innovate in areas like low-cost computing, cloud-based solutions, and digital literacy programs.
• Talent Development: With a large, tech-savvy youth population, GCCs can invest in upskilling initiatives, bridging the digital divide and creating a future-ready workforce.
• Collaboration with Government: GCCs can partner with government agencies to support initiatives like Digital India and Skill India, fostering inclusive growth.

Recent research by McKinsey & Company (2024) indicates that GCCs in India are increasingly focusing on digital transformation, cloud adoption, and AI-driven solutions, all of which are underpinned by robust PC and IT infrastructure.

Professional Services Companies: Strategic Considerations for GCCs

For professional services companies establishing or scaling GCCs in India, understanding the nuances of the local technology landscape is crucial. The low PC ownership rate highlights several strategic considerations:

1. Infrastructure Investment: Companies need to invest in affordable and scalable IT infrastructure to support their operations and workforce.
2. Talent Acquisition and Retention: The demand for skilled professionals in IT, digital services, and support roles is rising. Building a strong employer brand and offering competitive benefits are essential.
3. Localized Solutions: Developing products and services tailored to the Indian market, such as vernacular language support and mobile-first applications, can drive adoption.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Navigating India’s regulatory environment, including data privacy and cybersecurity norms, is vital for sustainable growth.

Moreover, as remote and hybrid work models become the norm, GCCs must ensure that their employees have access to reliable PCs and digital tools, further driving the demand for personal computing devices.

Recent Research and Market Trends (2023-2024)

Several recent studies underscore the evolving dynamics of India’s PC and digital infrastructure market:

• IDC India PC Market Report (Q1 2024): The commercial PC segment in India grew by 15% year-on-year, driven by enterprise and education sector demand. The report projects sustained double-digit growth in the next two years.
• Statista Digital Market Outlook (2024): Forecasts suggest that India’s PC user base will surpass 100 million by 2025, fueled by digital transformation initiatives and increasing affordability.
• NASSCOM-EY GCC Pulse Survey (2024): Over 70% of surveyed GCCs plan to increase their investment in digital infrastructure, with a focus on cloud computing, cybersecurity, and employee upskilling.
• Han Digital Talent Market Insights (2024): Demand for IT and digital skills in India has surged by 18% in the past year, with GCCs leading the hiring spree, especially for roles in software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

These trends highlight the symbiotic relationship between rising digital adoption, PC ownership, and the growth of GCCs in India.

Han Digital: Enabling Success for GCCs in India

As professional services companies and global capability centres navigate the complexities of the Indian market, partnering with expert talent consultants becomes essential. Han Digital stands out in this context, offering a unique understanding of the Indian talent landscape and deep connections with senior leadership across industries.

Han Digital’s value proposition includes:

• Comprehensive Talent Mapping: Leveraging proprietary data and analytics, Han Digital provides actionable insights into talent availability, compensation trends, and skill gaps across India’s major cities and emerging tech hubs.
• Leadership Networking: With established relationships with CXOs, CHROs, and senior leaders, Han Digital facilitates strategic hiring and leadership onboarding for GCCs.
• Customized Workforce Solutions: Han Digital designs tailored talent acquisition and retention strategies, addressing the unique needs of professional services companies and GCCs.
• Market Intelligence: Regular talent market reports and industry insights help organizations stay ahead of trends, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions.

For example, Han Digital’s recent collaboration with a leading US-based professional services firm enabled the client to establish a 500-member GCC in Bangalore within six months, leveraging Han Digital’s talent mapping and leadership hiring expertise.

Case Study: Driving Digital Adoption in India

Consider the case of a global consulting firm that partnered with Han Digital to expand its GCC footprint in India. The firm faced challenges related to low PC ownership among new hires from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Han Digital’s solution involved:

• Conducting a detailed assessment of digital readiness and PC access among potential candidates.
• Recommending partnerships with local PC vendors to provide affordable devices as part of the onboarding package.
• Implementing digital literacy and upskilling programs to ensure seamless integration into the firm’s global operations.

The result was a 40% reduction in onboarding time and a significant improvement in employee productivity and retention, underscoring the importance of addressing PC ownership and digital access in talent strategies.

Future Outlook: India’s Digital Growth Trajectory

Looking ahead, India’s digital economy is poised for exponential growth. The government’s Digital India and Make in India initiatives, coupled with rising foreign direct investment (FDI), are expected to further accelerate PC adoption and digital infrastructure development.

For GCCs and professional services companies, this translates into a wealth of opportunities:

• Expanding into New Cities: As digital infrastructure spreads to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, GCCs can tap into new talent pools and markets.
• Investing in Digital Literacy: Supporting digital literacy and upskilling initiatives will not only bridge the digital divide but also create a more productive and innovative workforce.
• Driving Inclusive Growth: By addressing barriers to PC ownership, companies can contribute to inclusive economic development and social empowerment.

According to Gartner’s 2024 Digital Transformation Survey, over 80% of global enterprises view India as a strategic hub for digital innovation and talent, with GCCs playing a pivotal role in this transformation.

SEO Best Practices for GCCs Targeting India

For professional services companies and GCCs looking to enhance their digital presence in India, adhering to the latest SEO guidelines is essential. Here are some actionable tips based on 2025 SEO best practices:

• Keyword Optimization: Focus on high-intent keywords such as “GCC talent market India,” “PC adoption India,” and “digital transformation India.”
• Mobile-First Content: Ensure all digital assets are optimized for mobile devices, reflecting India’s mobile-centric digital consumption.
• Local SEO: Leverage Google My Business, local directories, and geo-targeted content to reach talent and clients in specific Indian cities.
• Structured Data: Use schema markup to enhance search visibility and improve click-through rates.
• Quality Backlinks: Build authoritative backlinks from reputable industry publications and local news outlets.
• Content Localization: Offer content in regional languages and tailor messaging to resonate with diverse Indian audiences.

Conclusion

India’s low PC ownership is not a limitation but a catalyst for growth, innovation, and digital transformation. As Paul Bay, CEO of Irvine, aptly highlights, the country’s untapped PC market presents immense opportunities for technology providers, professional services firms, and global capability centres.

For GCCs, success in India hinges on a deep understanding of local market dynamics, strategic investments in digital infrastructure, and a robust talent strategy. Organizations like Han Digital, with their unparalleled expertise in talent mapping and leadership networking, are invaluable partners in this journey.

As India’s digital economy continues to flourish, professional services companies that proactively address the challenges of low PC ownership and invest in talent and technology will be best positioned to lead the next wave of global innovation from the heart of Asia.