Ruonan graduated from University of Canberra's IT program in 2012. He then went to the Australian National University (ANU) to complete his postgraduate degree in management information systems, followed by five years of Ph.D. training (2015-2020), where he became a business development officer and an associate lecturer. He joined Lancaster University Management School in November 2020.
Ruonan has taught management information systems in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, in several leading universities, including ANU and University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra. He has a particular interest in digital platforms, digital transformation in rural areas, and information system affordances. He undertakes research in three areas. First, he explores how digital platforms transform organisation strategising. Second, he looks at how digital technology enhances livelihood of people at the bottom of the pyramid. Third, he explores how the affordance theory inspires system design.
Ruonan is working on multiple projects about platform conceptualisation, system affordances, and ICT implementation in rural areas. He welcomes prospective Ph.D. students who are interested in these topics.