The paper examines the challenges of technology transfer in asymmetric alliances between low-technology (LMT) and high-technology (HT) firms, particularly in the food and food packaging sectors in the UK. The authors identify three main dimensions of dissimilarity: technology distance asymmetry, technology integration complexity, and innovation capability incompatibilities. These dimensions are further broken down into specific problems that occur during the early, mid, and late phases of technology transfer. The study uses a multiple case study approach, analyzing six completed alliances, and employs a conceptual framework to guide the empirical investigation. The findings highlight the importance of addressing these dissimilarities to improve the effectiveness of technology transfer and the successful implementation of sustainable technologies. The paper provides theoretical implications for the literature on innovation in LMT firms and sustainability alliances, as well as practical recommendations for improving technology transfer between HT and LMT firms in the context of climate change.The paper examines the challenges of technology transfer in asymmetric alliances between low-technology (LMT) and high-technology (HT) firms, particularly in the food and food packaging sectors in the UK. The authors identify three main dimensions of dissimilarity: technology distance asymmetry, technology integration complexity, and innovation capability incompatibilities. These dimensions are further broken down into specific problems that occur during the early, mid, and late phases of technology transfer. The study uses a multiple case study approach, analyzing six completed alliances, and employs a conceptual framework to guide the empirical investigation. The findings highlight the importance of addressing these dissimilarities to improve the effectiveness of technology transfer and the successful implementation of sustainable technologies. The paper provides theoretical implications for the literature on innovation in LMT firms and sustainability alliances, as well as practical recommendations for improving technology transfer between HT and LMT firms in the context of climate change.