Associate Professor Dhara Shah is a globally recognised researcher, strategic leader, and partnership-builder at the forefront of women’s entrepreneurship, inclusive innovation, leadership, and social impact. As Director of Partnerships and Engagement for the Public Sector at Deakin University and Head of the Deakin Women Entrepreneurship Research Hub, she drives high-impact collaborations that connect academia, government, industry, and communities across Australia and the Indo-Pacific.

With more than 15 years’ experience in higher education, research, and international development, Dhara has secured and led 11 interdisciplinary research and consultancy projects worth more than AUD 2.5 million, delivering transformative outcomes across Australia, India, the Mekong region, Laos, Mongolia, and beyond. Her expertise spans women’s entrepreneurship, inclusive leadership, governance, public sector reform, gender equality, climate resilience, and the future of work, with a particular focus on strengthening Australia–India engagement and regional cooperation.

An influential voice in both research and policy, Dhara represents Australia at the European Academy of Management and serves as Associate Editor of Innovation: Organization and Management. She has built a powerful network of partnerships with leading organisations and government and development stakeholders across India and Australia. Her work consistently bridges research and practice to create evidence-based solutions that advance economic inclusion, leadership development, and sustainable growth.

Having undertaken research and impact projects across Australia, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, Mongolia, and Spain, Dhara brings a uniquely global perspective to addressing complex social and economic challenges. She is frequently invited to contribute to international policy dialogues, conferences, and G20-related forums, where she speaks on issues including inclusive growth, women’s economic empowerment, innovation ecosystems, and the future of work.

Her contributions have been widely recognised through prestigious awards, including the Deakin Faculty Leadership Award (2025) and the Research and Innovation Award (2024), and she was a finalist for the India–Australia Business and Community Award (2020–21). Through her research publications, policy papers, thought leadership, and extensive stakeholder engagement, Dhara continues to shape conversations and drive action on inclusion, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development across the region and globally.