摘要：Background : Despite their relatively low economic potential and modest scale of activity of each single unit, en masse small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) create a major part of real GDP in all developed countries. Moreover, having very rarely own R&D backup facilities, SMEs are mostly strikingly open for new technical and technological solutions, perceiving innovations as a challenge and as an opportunity as well. Searching for such solutions, also in processes of implementation, they have to collaborate with a number of partners from various sectors, having diverse legal status, business culture and approach to cooperation. Frequently collaboration appears to be a source of problems, even threats. Methods : The paper consists of a literature review, identification of collaboration risk areas and - as a separate part – presentation and discussion of selected results of own research conducted late 2016 by the authors within a group of over 300 small and medium technological enterprises (SMTEs), chosen according to the defined filters. The aim of research was to analyse the collaboration environment of SMTEs, their approach to collaboration and perception of collaboration problems and risks. Results : Analysis of uncertainty areas within SMTEs’ environment and modes of operation allowed to identify a selection of risks which may result from collaboration, divided into two divisions: those having general character, which may be observed in each SME, and those being SMTE specific, adjoint to acquiring of new technologies, cooperation with scientific R&D institutions, technology transfer etc. The survey - considering the strong specific features of SMTEs - delivered some interesting informations on characteristics of sources of new technologies, collaboration directions and relations with partners, also collaboration risk factors and exposure. Conclusions : The paper shows a variety of problems referring to SMTEs’ collaboration with partners in technology acquisition and implementation. Having difficulties in contacts with big enterprises and institutions, they prefer own solutions and cooperation with other SMEs. This obviously imposes some limitations on the choice of partners and availability of solutions, making relations more complex and difficult. From the survey results also that SMTEs do not regard vulnerability and exposure on collaboration risk as a major problem in their activities, however some risk factors – from legal ones to soft competencies of partners. Further research could refer to the low effectiveness of collaboration between SMTEs and institutions which are regarded as a natural source of innovative solutions and those which exist to support that sector.
