June 2025: 1.53% (B- grade)

Kansas inventionINDEX June 2025: 1.53% (B- grade)

The inventionINDEX measures innovation output by comparing GDP growth with patent production growth. 

Anything over C grade is positive sentiment; anything under C is negative outlook/sentiment. Using that sentiment, it is possible to observe trends over time, and also compare states/countries. In doing so, we can predict which states have the best chance to recover economically from the pandemic (or any other economic incident that may occur).

The Kansas inventionINDEX Score for June 2025 stands at 1.53%, reflecting a slight uptick from May’s 1.50%. This modest increase suggests a stable and ongoing commitment to innovation activity within the state, continuing the rebound seen after the dip in March 2025 (1.26%). While the score has not reached the high levels observed earlier in the year, such as February’s 1.90% or January’s 1.76%, it still places Kansas well above the critical threshold of 1.0%, which typically distinguishes more innovation-driven states from those with less inventive momentum.

Comparing the current score to the same month last year, Kansas recorded a slightly higher 1.79% in June 2024. This year-over-year decline indicates a gradual cooling in inventive activity, though not a drastic shift. Despite the drop, Kansas has consistently maintained scores above 1.2% over the past 12 months-except for a dip in September 2024 (1.13%)-suggesting the state’s innovation ecosystem remains resilient. The relatively steady performance also implies a healthy baseline of patent applications and technological development.

A higher inventionINDEX score typically correlates with increased R&D investments, stronger patent filings, and more robust engagement from academic, startup, and industrial sectors. For Kansas, such scores are often seen as favorable indicators that the state is fostering an environment conducive to technological growth and competitiveness. Higher values can help attract venture capital, incentivize STEM job creation, and elevate the state’s reputation in key innovation sectors such as agriculture tech, manufacturing, and biosciences.

However, any trend toward lower scores could signal emerging challenges. A drop in the index might reflect reduced patent activity, less university-industry collaboration, or a decline in small business innovation funding. If not addressed, these trends could hinder Kansas’s ability to compete nationally and globally in emerging tech sectors. While the current score remains solid, it underscores the need for sustained support for research infrastructure and innovation incentives to avoid future stagnation.

Discussion:

In June, the Kansas inventionINDEX scored a positive sentiment which was lower than the previous year’s average and underperformed the downward trend for the year. This is similar to the prior 12 months, which experienced a downward trend. 

As the economy continues to stabilize in the post-pandemic era, it remains uncertain whether any backlog of applications still exists or if the department has returned to normal processing timelines. The inventionINDEX could also be affected by lingering consequences from the pandemic, such as company closures, reduced workforces, and limited R&D capabilities, which may still be impacting current operations.

Learn More:

Are you thinking of patenting any of your bright ideas? Did you know your research work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please check out our free online eligibility test.

Swanson Reed’s Kansas office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Topeka, Lawrence, Shawnee, Manhattan, Lenexa, and Salina.

Feel free to book a quick teleconference with one of R&D tax specialists if you would like to learn more about R&D tax credit opportunities.

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