[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 154 (Thursday, August 10, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45766-45767]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-6811]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economics and Statistics Administration


Establishment of the Measuring Innovation in the 21st Century 
Economy Advisory Committee and Recruitment of Members

AGENCY: Economics and Statistics Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of the Establishment of the Measuring Innovation in the 
21st Century Economy Advisory Committee and Recruitment of Members from 
the Business and Academic Communities.

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SUMMARY: The Secretary of Commerce is announcing the establishment of 
and recruitment for members of a Federal Advisory Committee. In 
accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 
U.S.C. App. 2, and the General Services Administration rule on the 
Federal Advisory Committee Management, 41 CFR part 101-6, the Secretary 
of Commerce has determined that the establishment of the Measuring 
Innovation in the 21st Century Economy Advisory Committee (the 
``Committee''), is in the public interest in connection

[[Page 45767]]

with the performance of duties impose by the Department by law.
    The Committee will advise the Secretary on new or improved measures 
of innovation in the economy in order to explain how innovation occurs 
in different sectors of the economy, how it is diffused across the 
economy, and how it impacts economic growth and productivity.
    The Committee will consist of not more than fifteen members 
appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and composed of individuals from 
business and academia. Those from business will be knowledgeable about 
their industry sector and those from academia will be experts in their 
academic field. This notice provides membership criteria and 
application procedures.
    The Committee will function solely as an advisory body, in 
compliance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. 
The Charter will be filed under the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

DATES: Applications for Committee membership will be received until the 
close of business September 29, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Interested individuals are strongly encouraged to send their 
applications for membership on the Committee by e-mail or facsimile to 
the address or number below. E-mail: [email protected], facsimile: 
202-482-0432. For those individuals without Internet or facsimile 
access, applications may be mailed to Economics and Statistics 
Administration, attn: Measuring Innovation Committee, Room 4855, U.S. 
Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 
20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth ``E.R.'' Anderson, Acting 
Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, ESA, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230: 
telephone: 202-482-3727 or Jacque Mason at 202-482-5641, or at http://www.esa.doc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The U.S. economy is the fastest growing of the major industrialized 
countries. this growth is occurring as we shift to more knowledge-based 
and service-based industries. The high level of productivity that 
sustains this growth derives not only from innovations in the types of 
products and services we produce, but also from innovations in how 
goods and services are produced and brought to market. In a competitive 
global economy, policy makers need to understand the determinants of 
growth. Our data and analytic capabilities, therefore, need to be 
updated to keep pace with changes in the economy.
    To help address these issues, the Secretary of Commerce is 
establishing the Measuring Innovation in the 21st Century Economy 
Advisory Committee to be composed of leaders from business and academia 
who will be charged with recommending new and improved statistics to 
help policy makers understand the innovation process.
    Better metrics will help improve the understanding of how 
innovation occurs in different sectors of the economy, how it is 
diffused across the economy, and how it impacts economic growth and 
productivity. Definitions and methodological questions relevant for 
both government and private sector officials will be explored, 
therefore it is critical to have input from leaders in both the 
business and academic communities.

Membership

    The Department of Commerce is seeking applicants from business and 
academia who are knowledgeable about the innovative process in their 
industry sector or experts in their academic field. The committee 
membership will reflect the diversity of the American economy, 
representing leaders of the business community from different industry 
sectors, and businesses of varying size. Committee members from the 
business community will serve in a representative capacity while those 
from the academic community will serve as Special Government Employees. 
Committee members will serve under the direction of the Secretary of 
Commerce. The committee will be composed of not more than 15 members 
appointed by the Secretary. No security clearances are required since 
Committee members will not have access to classified information.

Eligibility

    Candidates will be self-identified; nominations from others are not 
required. Candidates from the business community must be at the CEO 
level or equivalent and be knowledgeable about the innovation process 
and measurement in their industry sector. Academic candidates must be 
experts in their field, preferably with an academic focus on 
innovation, particularly innovation metrics.

Application Procedure

    Interested individuals should submit a letter stating their desire 
to serve on the Advisory Committee and attach a biographical statement.
    Applications should be addressed to Elizabeth ``E.R.'' Anderson, 
Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Affairs and should be sent 
by close of business September 29, 2006, to one of the addressed below:
    E-mail: [email protected].
    Facsimile: 202-482-0432.
    Mailing address: Economics and Statistics Administration, Measuring 
Innovation Committee, Room 4855, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 
Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230.

    Authority: Federal Advisory Committee Act: 5 U.S.C. App. 2 and 
General Services Administration Rule: 41 CFR part 101-6.

Elizabeth ``E.R.'' Anderson,
Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Affairs.
[FR Doc. 06-6811 Filed 8-9-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-06-M