The evolution of scientific paradigm is the core issue of scientific development, and the inheritance of tacit knowledge is crucial to the shaping of scientific paradigm as it continues to accumulate in the academic genealogy. Focusing on the mechanism of tacit knowledge transformation in the transmission of academic genealogy on the formation of scientific paradigm, 967 valid samples were collected through questionnaires and empirically examined by using structural equation modeling. The study shows that tacit knowledge transformation significantly contributes to scientific consensus through cognitive, methodological, and normative consensus, and then promotes scientific paradigm formation. The attribute characteristics of the discipline play a moderating role in this process, the stronger the maturity, intersectionality and openness of the discipline, the higher the effectiveness of the transformation of tacit knowledge, and the more likely it is to promote the formation of innovative scientific paradigm. The study deepens the theoretical connotation of academic genealogy and expands the rationale for analyzing the influence mechanism of tacit knowledge, which is inspirational for government departments to formulate policies on talent cultivation and discipline construction, universities and research institutions to improve academic management and promote scientific research innovations, and scholars to pursue excellence in innovations and expand the paths of their academic careers.