Public procurement as a major area of government spending has the potential to act as a driver for social change and sustainable development. Its strategic use has recently gained traction with two related policy movements emerging: sustainable public procurement (SPP) and open contracting (OC).

This paper explores paths towards a deepened collaboration between open and sustainable procurement advocates and practitioners. Building on literature and key informant interviews, it outlines the two fields, their potential for mutual reinforcement and positive impact as well as possible tensions. Both fields can reinforce each other by generating interest, motivation and capacity among key stakeholders to build on the sustainable and open dimensions of procurement.