The Internet of things (IoT) is a hot subject in the society and industry. The number of internet-connected things is estimated to exceed 50 Billion by 2020. Sensors are key enablers in the system from the view point of hardware business. The key factor to create expanding sensor business in the IoT era is quick decision making and lower development cost. One of the solutions will be cooperation, even coopetition. Their importance and the validity are discussed on the basis of implemented national projects.