Technology transfer between high-technology and low-technology firms in asymmetric alliances faces significant challenges due to differences in knowledge bases, learning approaches, and collaboration routines. This study examines six alliances in the UK food and food packaging sectors, revealing nine unique problems that hinder effective technology transfer. These problems arise from technology distance asymmetry, technology integration complexity, and innovation capability incompatibilities. The analysis highlights the need for a contingency perspective in managing technology transfer in such alliances. The study contributes to the literature on sustainable innovation in low-technology (LMT) firms and environmental alliances by identifying the combinative effects of different internal (DUI) and external (STI) knowledge bases and their implications for technology transfer. It also addresses the challenges of technology transfer in asymmetric alliances, emphasizing the importance of understanding the differences in knowledge bases and learning approaches between high-technology and LMT firms. The findings suggest that effective technology transfer requires a focus on the specific problems that arise in each phase of the alliance, including initial planning, joint development, and technology integration. The study provides practical implications for improving technology transfer between high-tech and low-tech firms in the context of climate change.Technology transfer between high-technology and low-technology firms in asymmetric alliances faces significant challenges due to differences in knowledge bases, learning approaches, and collaboration routines. This study examines six alliances in the UK food and food packaging sectors, revealing nine unique problems that hinder effective technology transfer. These problems arise from technology distance asymmetry, technology integration complexity, and innovation capability incompatibilities. The analysis highlights the need for a contingency perspective in managing technology transfer in such alliances. The study contributes to the literature on sustainable innovation in low-technology (LMT) firms and environmental alliances by identifying the combinative effects of different internal (DUI) and external (STI) knowledge bases and their implications for technology transfer. It also addresses the challenges of technology transfer in asymmetric alliances, emphasizing the importance of understanding the differences in knowledge bases and learning approaches between high-technology and LMT firms. The findings suggest that effective technology transfer requires a focus on the specific problems that arise in each phase of the alliance, including initial planning, joint development, and technology integration. The study provides practical implications for improving technology transfer between high-tech and low-tech firms in the context of climate change.