Open Contracting Standard: Mandatory Public Procurement Transparency as an Anti-Corruption Infrastructure
Description
A three-phase intervention addressing the systemic drivers of the challenge through coordinated policy, financing, and institutional reform. Phase 1 establishes the evidence base and proof-of-concept infrastructure. Phase 2 scales proven models through multilateral coordination and dedicated financing vehicles.
Phase 3 institutionalizes reforms within national and international governance frameworks, ensuring sustainability beyond any single funding cycle. Key design principles: (1) Build on existing institutions rather than creating new ones where possible — reducing coordination overhead and political barriers.
(2) Use outcome-based financing mechanisms to align incentives with results. (3) Pair international coordination with national ownership — global standards implemented through national plans. (4) Explicitly address the political economy — stakeholders who benefit from the status quo must be either co-opted or their resistance mitigated through structural incentives.
Implementation Pathway
Phase 1 (2026–2027)
- • Pilot in 5 high-readiness countries
- • Build evidence base and operational playbook
- • Secure multilateral financing commitment
Phase 2 (2027–2030)
- • Scale to 30 countries
- • Establish international coordination body
- • Embed in national planning cycles
Phase 3 (2030–2035)
- • Full global rollout
- • Institutionalize in international frameworks
- • Achieve self-sustaining national implementation
Required Resources
Impact Analysis
Overall Net Impact
Combined analysis across all timeframes
Short-term
0-2 years
No benefits identified
No harms identified
Mid-term
3-10 years
No benefits identified
No harms identified
Long-term
10+ years
No benefits identified
No harms identified
