Tradeupgrader

TradeUpgrader is a global consulting firm specializing in trade policy development, economic competitiveness strategies, and SME upgrading. We partner with national governments, international development agencies, and leading think tanks to design effective policies, create actionable knowledge products, and deliver capacity-building workshops for public and private sector stakeholders. Founded by Penny Bamber and Karina Fernandez-Stark, TradeUpgrader builds on over a decade of experience at the Duke Global Value Chain (GVC) Center, under the leadership of Dr. Gary Gereffi. Our ongoing collaboration with the Global Value Chain Network Initiative—linking Duke GVC Center scholars with international trade and competitiveness experts—gives us access to cutting-edge research, best practices, and insights from global leaders in trade, industry, and innovation policy. We provide evidence-based solutions across a wide range of industries, including agriculture, extractive industries, low, medium, and high-value manufacturing (aerospace, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, textiles and apparel, electrical and electronics, automotive industries), and global services. Our services include: Trade and competitiveness policy development Export and investment promotion strategies SME upgrading and local supplier development initiatives Innovation policy advisory Custom capacity-building programs for government officials and industry leaders We have a global reach, working with clients in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including Burundi, Chile, Costa Rica, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, China, South Korea, and Turkey. This diverse experience allows us to adapt policy recommendations to different economic contexts, ensuring relevance, practicality, and measurable impact. What sets TradeUpgrader apart is our combination of deep academic and practical expertise in global value chains and competitiveness with global experience.