The complexity and interconnectedness of today's social, economic and environmental challenges call for radical innovation in research, higher education, and governance. In all three areas, there is a need for new types of knowledge, tools, and experience that makes it possible to make sense of and act in a world undergoing rapid transformation. Meeting these challenges, the Collaboratory's ambition is to bring students, researchers, and practitioners together in innovative, interdisciplinary and problem-oriented forms of education, research and outreach activities.