Kolkata, often perceived as a city lacking in industrial development, has caught the attention of BCI Global, a Netherlands-based organization specializing in reviewing global tech and software development. Their recent assessment suggests that Kolkata, along with Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, has the potential to become a new hub for worldwide industry and software innovation.
BCI Global, in collaboration with their partner organization, Josephine Glademans, has carefully examined cities worldwide and selected 24 destinations as the preferred locations for out-of-the-box tech companies. Among these, Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram have secured spots, showcasing a shift in the global perspective towards these Indian cities.
The selection process involved dividing the entire globe into three categories: the Americas, Europe-Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Subsequently, eight cities were chosen from each category, with Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram standing out as promising contenders.
Factors such as location, population, residential conditions, airports, digital hubs, highways, workforce, and cost of living were thoroughly evaluated to make the decision. Contrary to the common belief that Kolkata is not a suitable business destination, BCI Global highlights the city's abundance of skilled labor, affordable living costs, and proficiency in English among its residents.
While Kerala might not traditionally be viewed as a business hotspot, Thiruvananthapuram, with its population of 1.7 million, favorable weather, cost-effective spaces, and burgeoning tech scene, is now being recognized as a potential 'tech hub' by BCI Global.
In Kolkata, BCI Global emphasizes the substantial workforce and cost advantages, making it an attractive location for businesses. The city, once considered challenging for business operations, has witnessed a significant transformation since 2022. Business activities have become more accessible, and numerous multinational companies are now setting up operations in the region.
This shift challenges the conventional perception of Kolkata as a place less conducive to business. BCI Global suggests that conducting business in Kolkata has become remarkably easy, with many multinational companies establishing a presence in the city. This concludes by highlighting the changing narrative of Kolkata, not just as a cultural hub but as an emerging global player in the business and technology sectors.