In this paper the results from a pilot study in the project Arena for Sustainable Innovative Development of small and medium-sized enterprises. The project aims to create and test a model for collaboration and sustainable development among small and medium sized companies in local areas. The questions raised in the study were: What kind of problems and requirements can be found in small enterprises with respect to information exchange and communication with others? Which information is needed to promote active engagement among the interested parties? How does the knowledge creation and exchange work between the actors? The method used was qualitative and explorative with semi-structured interviews.