Skills for Upgrading: Workforce Development and Global Value Chains in Developing Countries

This research project examines workforce development strategies in developing countries in the context of the shifting upgrading dynamics of global value chains. The focus is on four industry value chains of high interest to developing country governments and international donors: fruit and vegetables, apparel, offshore services and tourism. Using the global value chain perspective, researchers outline new roles for workforce development in industry upgrading and competitiveness in the contemporary economy. Funded by RTI International and carried out by Duke CGGC researchers in collaboration with RTI, this research provides a set of recommendations to donors and development agencies to formulate more efficient and timely workforce development initiatives that will enhance economic as well as social upgrading.