The growing concern for toxic isocyanate emissions and increasing regulations are driving the development of non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) products as safe and eco-friendly replacements for traditional polyurethane products. One of the emerging strategies for developing NIPUs is combining NIPU chemistry with acrylate functionalities to develop non-isocyanate polyurethane-acrylate (NIPUA) hybrid networks which offer a green synthesis method combined with quick curing capabilities and excellent coating properties. In this review we provide an overview of recent developments in the bio-based synthesis of NIPUs using vegetable oils-derived cyclic carbonates that can be transformed into acrylate functional systems by post-modification, pre-functionalized monomers, or hybrid addition strategies. We emphasize the relationship between structure and properties that affect curing behaviour, cross-linking density, tensile strength, adhesion and chemical resistance in NIPUA coatings. We discuss in detail how CO2 utilization, water-borne formulation, UV curing and the emerging area of dynamic covalent chemistry will improve both the sustainability and functionality of NIPUA coatings. Finally, we outline our vision for the future towards fully bio-based, self-healing, water-borne NIPUA coatings based on circular economy principles and advanced manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing and smart protective surfaces.