In an exclusive interaction with Rajneesh De of CXO News & APAC News Network, Alok Srivastava, Head GDC and Global Branches, NEC Corporation, India outlines how the NEC GDC is leveraging advanced technologies even as India becomes a thriving field for GDCs overall.
What are your roles and responsibilities as the head of the NEC India GDC?
As the Head of NEC India GDC, my responsibilities include overseeing the operations of the Global Development and Delivery Centers along with branch offices based globally, ensuring high-quality service delivery, and driving new business opportunities. Leveraging my extensive leadership experience with NEC and international stakeholders, I help in incubating and delivering in challenging business areas, particularly in emerging technologies, and strengthening client relationships.
How has India’s position as a global development center (GDC) hub evolved over the years, particularly in the technology sector?
India’s ascent as a global development center (GDC) hub has been nothing short of transformative. Initially recognized as a cost-effective outsourcing destination, we have progressed significantly. Today, India stands as a strategic innovation partner, playing a crucial role in fueling the growth of the global technology sector. Our strengths have always been clear– a vast pool of highly skilled engineers, scientists, and professionals with diverse expertise; compelling cost efficiency for companies seeking to optimize their development investments; and proven technological prowess in delivering complex solutions across various technology domains.
However, our commitment to innovation is what truly distinguishes us now. The establishment of over 1,600 GDCs by global tech giants is a testament to the quality and vibrancy of our R&D ecosystem. Moreover, government initiatives like Digital India and Make in India have fostered a conducive environment for tech innovation. Indian GDCs are not just keeping pace with technological advancements; they are at the forefront, leading the way in fields like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Looking ahead, the future appears even more promising. We are moving beyond cost arbitrage to focusing on delivering high-value, complex solutions that drive tangible business impact. India’s GDC landscape is not merely evolving; it is setting the pace for global digital transformation. We are poised to continue playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology, and I am confident that our contributions will only grow in significance in the years to come.
With the increasing competition for tech talent, how does NEC India GDC attract and retain top talent in the industry?
NEC India GDC attracts and retains top talent through a multifaceted approach that prioritizes both professional growth and personal well-being. We believe that in today’s dynamic and market-driven scenario, fostering empathy, resilience, and empowerment is the key to success. We do this by fostering a culture of continuous learning, offering regular training programs, certifications, and opportunities to work on cutting-edge global projects. This not only enhances skills but also keeps our team engaged and motivated.
Additionally, competitive compensation packages and clear paths for career advancement ensure that our employees feel valued and see a future with us. We also understand the importance of work-life balance, offering flexible work arrangements to support our employees’ diverse needs. Furthermore, our collaborative work environment encourages innovation and teamwork, making NEC India GDC a dynamic and stimulating place to work.
How important is collaboration between the industry and academia for the future success of GDCs in India?
Collaboration between industry and academia is crucial for the success of GDCs in India. By integrating the innovative capabilities of academic institutions with the practical insights of the industry, substantial advancements in technology and innovation can be achieved. This synergy fosters an environment of continuous learning and development, essential for keeping pace with rapid technological changes.
For instance, the MoU between NEC India, GLA University, and Edulateral Foundation exemplifies this commitment. These partnerships focus on building a robust curriculum in AI and analytics, fostering joint research initiatives, and providing students with hands-on experience and exposure to real-world challenges. It also offers access to cutting-edge research, thereby enhancing students’ employability in the tech industry. Furthermore, such partnerships enable NEC to tap into a fresh pool of talent, bringing new perspectives and innovative ideas into the organization.
Therefore, such collaborations are instrumental in creating a dynamic and skilled workforce, ensuring that NEC Corporation India remains at the forefront of technological advancements and continues to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
What are the biggest challenges you foresee for GDCs in India over the next decade?
The next decade presents both opportunities and challenges for GDCs in India. The rapidly evolving technology landscape demands continuous upskilling of the workforce, which can be difficult to maintain at scale. Additionally, regulatory changes and data privacy concerns will require GDCs to implement robust compliance and security measures. Infrastructure development, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, will also be crucial to support expanding operations.
Lastly, fostering innovation while managing cost pressures, will be a constant balancing act for GDCs striving to maintain their competitive edge. While the GDCs in India are facing these significant challenges, they can be addressed by investing in continuous learning programs, improving talent acquisition strategies, prioritizing compliance, and security, and developing infrastructure in emerging cities.
How does NEC India GDC leverage advanced technologies like AI, ML, and cloud computing to support global operations?
NEC India GDC leverages AI, ML, and cloud computing to enhance operational efficiency and deliver innovative solutions. For instance, our workforce from India has supported various global turnkey projects. For instance, setting up a private cloud for large telecom operators to seamlessly scale the Network Services and virtual resources, creating AI/ML-backed Digital Twins to predict the problem scenarios for timely preventive actions.
Additionally, cloud computing provides us with scalable and flexible infrastructure, enabling seamless collaboration and efficient data management across our global operations. This ensures that our teams can work together effortlessly, regardless of location, and access real-time information. These technologies help automate routine tasks, freeing up our talent to focus on higher-value activities and improving decision-making processes through data-driven insights. By integrating these advanced technologies, we offer robust, scalable, and cost-effective solutions to our clients, driving digital transformation and operational excellence.
How does the NEC India GDC work in conjunction with the open RAN laboratory in Chennai?
NEC GDC works closely with the open RAN laboratory in Chennai to support and enhance global operations. The open RAN lab is integral in testing and developing innovative O-RAN technology, which is essential for 5G deployments. This collaboration allows NEC to leverage cutting-edge advancements in 5G to improve connectivity and operational efficiency. By aligning the capabilities of the GDC with the technological innovations from the open RAN lab, NEC ensures robust and scalable solutions for global telecom networks, driving digital transformation and operational excellence.
What are going to be the key focus areas for NEC India GDC in the next few quarters?
In the next few quarters, NEC India’s Global Development and Delivery Centre will prioritize enhancing its technological capabilities, particularly in Generative AI, Digital ID, Digital Twin and cybersecurity, to drive innovation and operational efficiency. They will expand their service offerings in smart city solutions, digital transformation, and enterprise IT services. Emphasis will be on talent development, leveraging India’s skilled workforce and fostering partnerships with educational institutions to ensure a robust talent pipeline.
Sustainability initiatives will support eco-friendly practices, and a client-centric approach will focus on providing customized solutions and improving service delivery. These efforts align with India’s rise as a global tech leader, driven by government support and a strong digital backbone. By emphasizing these initiatives, NEC aims to stay competitive, drive technological advancements, and ensure operational excellence.
Rajneesh De, APAC News Network
