Noonan, who received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, is an applied economist with a specialty in policy analysis. His recent research activities include work on Open Source Software (OSS) policy and open platform production modes. Noonan has developed an Open Source Software Index that measures the OSS activity and potential around the globe. His current work examines the relationships between OSS activity, OSS potential, and social issues like access and innovation. He is also investigating determinants of adoption of OSS by public sector organizations.