BackgroundNEPS-SC6-ADIAB is a new linked data product containing survey data of Starting Cohort 6 of the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS) and administrative employment data from the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), the research institute of the Federal Employment Agency. NEPS is provided by the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories (LIfBi). Starting Cohort 6 of this panel survey includes adults in their professional life, the survey focuses on education in adulthood and lifelong learning. The administrative data in NEPS-SC6-ADIAB consist of comprehensive information on the employment histories. ObjectivesCombining these two data sources increases for example the information about individual employment history. Overall, the data volume is increased by the linkage between the survey data and the administrative data. MethodsA record linkage process was used to link the two data sources. The data access is free for the whole scientific community. In addition to a large number of On-site access locations within Germany, there are also international On-site access locations. Including London and Colchester. In addition a Remote Data Access is offered. ConclusionsThis data linkage project is very innovative and creates an extensive database, which results in extensive analytical potential. A short application example is made to exemplify the comprehensive analytical potential of NEPS-SC6-ADIAB. This ongoing project deals with nonresponse in survey data. The linked data has a variety of variables collected in both data sources, administratively and through the NEPS survey, allowing for comparative analyses. In this case an idea to compensate nonresponse in income data with administrative data is drawn.

NEPS-ADIAB is a large-scale data product from Germany that provides a unique source for the empirical analysis of life course research questions. It is jointly administered by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) and the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories. NEPS-ADIAB includes survey data from the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS) and administrative data from the IAB, combined at the individual level using a record linkage procedure. While the NEPS data cover issues such as educational trajectories and decisions, competencies and skills, learning environments, attitudes, etc., the administrative data consist of detailed employment histories dating back to 1975, plus extensive information on establishments. The linkage of both data collections results in a considerable research potential. NEPS-ADIAB is particularly suitable for analyses of the nexus between educational and employment careers, short- and long-term returns to education, transitions from school to vocational training and working life, adult education and lifelong learning, as well as discontinuities in professional careers due to parenthood or unemployment. Contextual characteristics about establishments as well as geographic indicators can additionally be taken into account. The regularly updated and expanded NEPS-ADIAB data are accessible to the entire scientific community free of charge via on-site and remote access.