Ian Kalin, chief data officer of the U.S. Commerce Department, told Nextgov in an interview published Friday that the department hosts forums for technology startup companies to share their innovation strategies with the government sector.

Kalin told Nextgov reporter Mohana Ravindranath he also wants to find out what kinds of government data that entrepreneurs seek at agency-hosted events.

He added he believes technology can have a greater impact on public sector organizations than every other industry combined.

His office also found that many internal agency customers aim to save money by addressing information technology efficiency issues, according to Kalin.

During the interview, he noted that DOC also collaborates with the U.S. Digital Service, President Innovation Fellows and the General Services Administration‘s 18F team to develop open data and digital strategies.