UCSD Chancellor Pradeep Khosla has been appointed to the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced in a press release on Sept. 19. NACIE, as part of the Economic Development Administration Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, provides suggestions for programs and policies intended to make American businesses and workplaces more competitive internationally.

Secretary Pritzker specified the role of NACIE in her press release, stating that the council is a way for the Department of Commerce to create policies which take into consideration the views of those working in the private sector.

“The members of NACIE provide important counsel to the Department of Commerce on the types of federal policies that will support entrepreneurship, innovation and job-driven workforce training, all of which are critical to American competitiveness,” Secretary Pritzker said. “As ‘America’s Innovation Agency,’ we value the expertise of our private sector partners and appreciate the opportunity to incorporate their views into our policymaking process.”

Chancellor Khosla was selected from over 200 applicants, along with 30 other appointees from non-profits, the private sector and academia.

According to Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Judy Piercey, Chancellor Khosla was nominated for the position and is honored to be chosen.

“[Chancellor Khosla] is honored to be part of this group that is charged with identifying and recommending solutions to issues critical to driving the innovation economy,” Piercey told the UCSD Guardian.

In a statement released by the university, Chancellor Khosla explained that his participation in NACIE allows him to exchange thoughts with other notable leaders.

“Entrepreneurship and innovation are integral to the culture at UC San Diego,” Chancellor Khosla said. “Being a member of NACIE offers a valuable opportunity to share ideas with a prestigious group of leaders to help make America more competitive globally.”

According to Secretary Pritzker’s press release, the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship looked for members who represented various demographics, industries and locations, and appointees were chosen based on “demonstrated expertise and experience in the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship and employer-driven talent development.”

Formed in 2010, NACIE holds meetings four times per year, with members serving two-year terms.