The seminar which took place in Thiessow was organized by the Friedrich Schiller University Jena under the motto “Innovation roads ahead”. The purpose was to present and discuss especially young scholar’s current research projects related to mostly empirical innovation studies. Topics presented related, for example, to innovative change in labour markets, productivity analyses, the role of innovation policy, or technological dynamics in global value chains. Regular sessions gave the opportunity to present full research papers, and brainstorming sessions were used to discuss future research ideas mostly based on new data sources on certain technologies or industries. One day was reserved for bi-lateral project meetings and exchange on data sources as well as infrastructure in small groups. The productive workshop atmosphere was appreciated by all participants, and exchange continued during excursions. Evening sessions in the format of round tables allowed open discussions on particular topics such as on the role and the future of digitalisation or the science system and scientific progress in general.