From a point of knowledge based view, IUI(Industry-University-Institute) R&D collaboration is recognized as an important way to acquire lacking technology and knowledge. In this study, we investigated firm performance of IUI R&D collaboration on national R&D project. That is, we identified whether a collaborative research really affects firm performance, and whether firm performance is differed by types of collaboration. To test our hypotheses, we selected 250 Korean SMEs(Small and Medium Enterprises) which were funded from government R&D for 2006-2009, and we verified relations between the ratio and/or types of R&D collaboration and firm performance. Firm performance was measured by number of patent applied and ROA(Return on Assets) after completion of the project (in year t+1). Findings showed that the relationship between the ratio of R&D collaboration and technological performance was inverted U-shape. Among types of R&D collaboration, though inter-industry collaborative research was negatively related to technological performance, IUI collaborative research was positively related to technological performance. However, the ratio and types of R&D collaboration had no relation to economic performance. The results of this study will contribute to the strategy of SMEs as well as the policy of a government with regard to IUI R&D collaboration.