Manpower acquisition, retention biggest challenges for R&D GCCs

Talent acquisition and retention remain major challenges for global capability centers (GCCs) in research and development (R&D), according to an expert in the area.

- ANEEKA CHATTERJEE

"The first challenge is attracting high-skill talent. There has been a talent war going on for quite some time. Retention and continuity of talent are critical factors as drug discovery projects may take years to meet all the global quality and regulatory standards, including multiple rounds of clinical trials," Joydeep Ghosh (pictured), partner and life sciences and healthcare (LSHC) industry leader at Deloitte India, told Business Standard.

GCCs in LSHC have grown across India, with Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai emerging as key hubs.

"Karnataka and Telangana have highly conducive investment-friendly policies and dedicated departments or industry cells that actively encourage international players to innovate in these regions," he said.