Dr. Willi's current research project, titled "Develop-Mentalities", consists of in-depth fieldwork that investigates current state-building and economic development efforts in post-war Syria. As a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow, financed by the EU Horizon Research Programme and conducted at Ca' Foscari University in Venice, Dr. Willi conducts extended field trips on the ground in Syria to interview stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society. His project conceptualizes Syria as a coming frontier market and aims to identify strategic industry sectors for future private sector investment that is commercially viable while bringing tangible development dividends to the Syrian people.