This small paragraph sums up the need for open data in contracting very neatly:
"Transparency is a not an end in itself, but a means of securing engagement from civil society and the private sector. The disclosure of procurement information is only valuable to the extent that it is used. The aim of open contracting is to improve procurement outcomes by widening participation. Many governments persist in viewing procurement transparency as a political or technical fix – when achieving reform requires continuous engagement. To achieve systemic change and make the transition to clean contracting, governments must participate too by absorbing the lessons learned and taking appropriate action."