Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is one of 15 business leaders and academics selected to serve on a U.S. Department of Commerce panel to study innovation and its impact on the American economy.

Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez formed the -- deep breath -- "Measuring Innovation in the 21st Century Economy Advisory Committee" to develop ways of measuring innovation to help policy makers understand its contribution "to American economic prosperity and high living standards," according to a press release.

Ballmer will serve on the committee along with CEOs from 3M, UPS, Medtronic and IBM, among others. There's a full list in the release.

The short bio of Ballmer says he's "focused on continuing Microsoft's innovation across the company's seven businesses." Seven? There are three divisions and, as of a change earlier this year, five operating segments. And the company has countless product groups. I wonder what the seven refers to.