This paper describes the conditions that influence technology acquisition through collaboration. From the analysis of semi-structured interviews and eleven case studies, we developed a technology acquisition framework that stresses the supplier involvement in the process and the factors that influence the outcomes. Based on this framework, we provide practical insights for suppliers to support their customers in order to raise the probability of success in collaborative projects. Our results suggest that effective acquisition of technology by means of collaboration is achieved by the combination of three conditions: effective partnership management, effective execution of the co-development project and effective transference of the technology to the recipient system in the acquiring firm.