The future of universities depends not only on their ability to generate knowledge but also on how they organise their activities, govern their institutions, and engage with society. This Future UniLab envisioning report explores alternative approaches to university governance and management, emphasising academic freedom, institutional diversity, social responsibility, and the need to balance research, teaching, and societal impact.

The publication examines universities as complex ecosystems rather than conventional organisations driven by measurable outputs. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, academic tolerance, critical thinking, and organisational structures that encourage meaningful interaction between faculties, researchers, students, and external stakeholders. Particular attention is given to overcoming institutional silos, avoiding excessive projectification, and developing management practices that recognise different academic missions and individual contributions.

The report also addresses the challenges of financial constraints, academic career instability, staff well-being, and the need to create universities that remain attractive places to work and study. Its recommendations include diversifying university funding through stronger alumni engagement and establishing a Una Europa Mobility Center to facilitate academic mobility and research collaboration across the alliance. Ultimately, the authors advocate a university management model based on engagement, openness, institutional autonomy, and a shared commitment to societal responsibility.