Background: The globalized business environment, characterized by cascading effects VUCA, has been proven to bring operational changes and challenges to companies. Market evolution and shorter life cycle of products are some features in this context. However, SMEs face operational issues in these circumstances where it is difficult to have complete capabilities. Recent research shows that the phenomenon of collaborative innovation between companies has increased. It has also been specifically studied that SMEs are actively involved in collaborative innovation activities within their value chain. However, there is a lack of research on why SMEs engage in collaborative innovation. Therefore, in this study, we investigate why SMEs engage in collaborative innovation in their VUCA context.

Purpose: As described in the background, this study aims to understand why SMEs engage in collaborative innovation activities in their VUCA context. Therefore, this understanding will add to the existing body of knowledge on SME engagement in collaborative innovation and thus provide important insights for practitioners.

Method: Our methods for this study were based on a qualitative, exploratory research design. We examined seven SMEs using a multiple case study method.' Through semi-structured interviews we gained a better understanding of their CI experiences. We also conducted grounded analysis to discover patterns and themes in the data.

Conclusion: The results of the study show that SMEs engaging in CI activities are based on reactive and proactive motivations within their VUCA context. The reactive motivations are customer demand, low-risk solution, company survival and environmental regulations. The proactive motivations are competitive advantage, future market offering and opportunity search. In addition, the study results show how reactive motivations for CI activities are related to their sustainable practices.