Colliers’ latest global report, Building Resilience: 5 Megatrends Redefining Corporate Real Estate, has identified artificial intelligence (AI), demographic changes, energy security, climate risks, and shifting global trade dynamics as the key forces reshaping corporate real estate strategies worldwide. 

According to the report, these interconnected megatrends are increasingly influencing location planning, investment decisions and talent strategies across the office market, particularly in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. 

The report noted that APAC is expected to contribute nearly 60% of global economic growth in the coming decades, making the region central to future business and commercial real estate strategies. Within APAC, India is emerging as a major growth engine, driven by AI-led workforce transformation, favourable demographics and growing focus on sustainability and energy security. 

India emerging as AI hub 

Colliers said rapid integration of automation, analytics and AI into business operations is reshaping workplace and real estate requirements globally. India, backed by its expanding digital ecosystem and deep talent pool, is increasingly positioning itself as a global AI hub. 

The report projected India’s AI market to grow from over $9 billion currently to more than $500 billion over the coming decades, supported by rising adoption of large language models (LLMs), digitalisation initiatives and government support. 

India is also expected to remain a preferred destination for global companies expanding capabilities in AI, machine learning, cloud computing and advanced digital technologies due to competitive rentals, lower living costs and a relatively young workforce. 

Demographic advantage to drive office demand 

Colliers highlighted India’s demographic profile as a key advantage for long-term commercial real estate growth. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and a median age of around 29 years, India accounts for nearly 18 per cent of the world’s population. 

Major cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi NCR, Chennai, Mumbai, and Pune were ranked among the top technology talent acquisition markets in the APAC region. 

India adds around 2-3 million STEM graduates annually, accounting for nearly one-third of the global skilled talent pool. 

“Global Capability Center (GCC) space uptake, which drives the majority of office leasing, will continue to strengthen with deepening capabilities in R&D, engineering, AI, machine learning and cloud computing,” said Arpit Mehrotra, Managing Director, Office Services, India at Colliers. 

Sustainability and retrofitting opportunities 

The report also underlined the growing importance of energy security and sustainability in real estate investment decisions. 

According to Colliers, green-certified buildings now account for nearly two-thirds of India’s Grade A office stock, reflecting increasing adoption of ESG standards, renewable energy and sustainable workplace practices. 

The report estimated that over 420 million square feet of Grade A office stock in India is more than 10 years old and holds retrofitting potential, representing an investment opportunity of over $5 billion. 

Colliers said retrofitting older buildings could significantly improve asset quality, energy efficiency and long-term sustainability. 

Climate risks and shifting global trade patterns 

The report warned that rising climate-related disruptions such as heatwaves and urban flooding are likely to influence occupier preferences towards resilient, sustainability-led workplaces and climate-tech adoption. 

At the same time, changing global trade dynamics and supply chain diversification are prompting companies to reassess traditional business models and expand into emerging markets across APAC. 

“Asia Pacific’s dynamism shows there’s no longer a global monopoly on innovation or competition,” said Mike Davis, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Occupier Services at Colliers. He added that the region would become increasingly important for global location strategies as a growth centre, supply chain hub and source of skilled talent.