The purpose of the paper is to provide a patent-based framework exhibiting how companies manage their R&D collaborations at the knowledge domain level. Two characteristics of the knowledge fields involved in alliances are examined - technological strategy and technological relevance - proposing an original mapping of R&D collaborations. Focal companies are selected from automotive, bio-pharmaceutical and technology hardware and equipment industries. By focusing on dyadic collaborations, the analysis is performed for both focal companies and their partners, and the significance of the mapping is tested with patent quality. Results show that the largest share of dyadic collaborations is focused on technological fields that are non-core for both partners. Also, from the standpoint of the focal firm, a prevalence of exploitation on exploration is uncovered. Different best practices emerge for each industry.