Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to introduce a dedicated Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy, aiming to position itself as a hub for global innovation and collaboration. The Madhya Pradesh GCC Policy 2025 offers incentives for capital expenditure, payroll support, upskilling, and research & development, with a designated nodal agency overseeing its implementation. The policy targets key sectors such as IT, finance, engineering, human resources, and emerging technologies, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. As India's first dedicated framework for fostering GCC growth in tier-2 cities, the policy represents a shift away from traditional metro hubs. Madhya Pradesh aims to attract over 50 GCCs, generating more than 37,000 direct jobs and establishing itself as a center of excellence in IT/ITeS, advanced analytics, R&D, and digital transformation. The initiative also seeks to boost foreign investment and infrastructure development across industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, logistics, textiles, aerospace, AI, and cybersecurity. Madhya Pradesh’s IT sector has seen rapid expansion, with exports tripling over the past three years at an annual growth rate of 43%. The state offers: A skilled talent pool: Over 300 engineering colleges produce more than 50,000 tech graduates annually. Robust infrastructure: Five Special Economic Zones (SEZs), 15 IT parks, and 150 Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) units. Cost-effective operations: Businesses benefit from lower operational costs compared to metro cities. Ease of Doing Business: Ranked 4th in India (2023), the state provides streamlined regulatory processes and investor-friendly policies. Implementation and future prospects The Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (MPSeDC) will serve as the nodal agency, with a dedicated Policy Implementation Unit (PIU) ensuring project approvals, incentive allocation, and compliance monitoring. Launched ahead of the Madhya Pradesh Global Investors’ Summit (Feb 24-25, 2025), the policy is set to attract investments and showcase the state’s economic potential. With globally benchmarked infrastructure and a strategic focus on digital transformation, Madhya Pradesh is positioning itself as a key player in India’s projected $110 billion GCC market by 2030. (Mint)