Digital Knowledge Conversion in IS/IT Project Ecosystems: Empirical Evidence From a Longitudinal Analysis of Stack Overflow Interactions

ABSTRACT This study examines how Digital Knowledge Conversion (DKC) operates in decentralized socio‐technical ecosystems by investigating crowdsourced knowledge interactions on Stack Overflow project platform through the lens of tacit–explicit knowledge practices and digital knowledge conversion processes. A longitudinal dataset of 10,874 interactions from Stack Overflow (2015–2026) was analyzed using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques combined with statistical correlation analysis to explore the micro‐mechanisms of digital knowledge practices in real‐world Information Systems (IS) and/or Information Technology (IT) project problem‐solving. The results show that Digital Socialization is the dominant driver of knowledge‐sharing success, significantly outperforming the volume of documentation. The study uncovers a “Precision Paradox” in which excessive explanatory verbosity in explicit documentation and technical knowledge integration practices leads to diminishing returns. It also reveals a shift toward utilitarian knowledge consumption, as internalization‐related signals demonstrate limited predictive power in high‐pressure technical environments. This research makes a theoretical contribution by empirically extending tacit–explicit knowledge perspectives within DKC to decentralized digital contexts and introducing the “Precision Paradox” as a novel phenomenon. Methodologically, it demonstrates the utility of computational approaches in knowledge management research. The findings provide project managers with a clear rationale to shift from traditional repository‐centric knowledge management toward validation‐centric strategies that emphasize real‐time peer validation. This transition can improve knowledge utilization, reduce problem‐resolution time, and strengthen organizational resilience as project management evolves toward the PM2030 era.