AbstractThe important concept of ‘technological paradigm’ is reconsidered in relation to international political economy (IPE). The concept is expanded to include a socio-political dimension, whereby technological innovation within paradigms is influenced by factors not normally considered by economists. Susan Strange's ‘knowledge structure’ is argued to be an appropriate location for the expanded concept of technological paradigms. They can then be viewed as building blocks within the overall knowledge structure, but only if the concept is adapted to include cultural and political elements. While agent/structure issues impinge upon the analysis, the merger of technological paradigm and knowledge structure is argued to be ontologically consistent.