Dr DIKSHITA Padalkar
Director Research & Economic Development
Research Resources Bizfarm
South Africa
W : www.researchresources.co.za; www.bizfarm.co.za;
Industry / Sector
Agriculture & Allied Services, Consultancy, Education & Skill Development, Financial Services, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Information and Communication Technology, Infrastructure, Logistics, Manufacturing, Mining, Trade, Other ( Textiles and Clothing, Automatives, )
Personal Profile
1] Industrial and Labour economist operating an independent private entity that has been facilitating economic development
- through rigorous policy research, empirical studies and project implementation.
2] Operating an SME incubator for 10 years + 'Bizfarm'
3] Key Focus: Youth employment, Grassroot enterprises, Innovation, Supplier development, Post Covid Business model transition, Digital marketing, Accredited training, Accredited funding facilitation, Strategic interventions
Company Profile
This is a profile for 1] Dr Padalkar's Research Resources [DPRR] - providing Expertise in Economic Development and Global competitiveness AND 2] Bizfarm - a Youth and SME incubator launched by DPRR Introduction Dr. Padalkar’s Research Resources is an Economic Development Services company based in Durban, KZN. It is led by Dr Dikshita Padalkar, a Labour Economist and Mr. Atul Padalkar, a Social Entrepreneur. The company has a unique Economic Development approach leading from Insight to Impact®. Through empirical research we have developed a keen understanding of the economic issues of South Africa and KwaZulu Natal in particular. Local and international partnerships developed have enabled us to develop and implement solutions for local issues with a global orientation. Track Record: Dr Padalkar’s Research Resources (DPRR) started as an Economic and Development Research Company in 2005 and has maintained a sound financial track record. The company has executed projects in partnership with local SA companies at Provincial level in assisting Co-operatives in Clothing Manufacturing. The company has a clean and bankable track record. It has conceptualized and implemented various sector strategies across Clothing-Textiles, Foreign Direct Investment, Entrepreneurship Training, Co-operatives Development, and the ICT sector, among other economic development projects. DPRR has successfully set up and implemented KZN’s first and only Private Business Incubator - 'BIzfarm' . The Incubator reached break-even in 18 months. Over 100 SMEs have been associated with Bizfarm support in different areas, for over 10 years. Networks and Partners: The company has strong links and partnerships across KZN. It consults to the eThekwini Municipality for attracting foreign direct investment into the City of Durban and has a successful track record of attracting inward Foreign Direct investment from India. The company has a network of partnerships in place – some formalised, some operational. e.g., It has an MOU in place with Durban University of Technology and Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India. DPRR is also the Cisco Institute of Entrepreneurship in KZN. As service provider to DUT, it has successfully implemented business skills programme at SMTDC, SmartXchange. Both, DPRR and Bizfarm service the corporate, tertiary, government, and NGO sectors. Capacity &Support The company is led by skilled and experienced persons, is supported by a diverse and well-equipped staff, research associates, and support infrastructure. We have the capability to conduct extensive field work in KZN. This includes facilities for doing Focus Group Discussions with Stakeholders which can be observed in camera. The company has a regular inflow of youth who are supported through internships and then incubated into micro enterprises. The incubator has a capacity to host in-house, around 25 SMEs across diverse sectors at a point in time. Unique Approach Dr. Padalkar’s Research Resources and Bizfarm work entails a unique trade-marked approach rooted in Development Economics and Empowerment initiatives. They are therefore able to provide an integrated sustainable and globalisable perspective to various sectors. DPRR and Bizfarm, have trademarked their Research and Implementation Approach. The company has managed challenges posed during COVID.