NEBRASKA INVENTIONINDEX | JULY 2025
July 2025: 1.07% (C+ grade)
Nebraska inventionINDEX July 2025: 1.07% (C+ 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).
Nebraska inventionINDEX Scores – Last 12 months
Month | inventionINDEX Score |
July 2025 | 1.07% |
Jun 25 | 1.00% |
May 25 | 1.11% |
Apr 25 | 1.21% |
Mar 25 | 0.90% |
Feb 25 | 0.82% |
Jan 25 | 1.07% |
Dec 24 | 1.23% |
Nov 24 | 1.00% |
Oct 24 | 1.11% |
Sep 24 | 1.04% |
Aug 24 | 1.23% |
Jul 24 | 1.11% |
The inventionINDEX has experienced significant fluctuations over the past five years, with scores ranging from a low of 0.82% to a high of 1.48%. The most recent data from July 2025 shows a score of 1.07% with a C+ rating, which indicates a slight recovery from the previous months but remains within the average range of historical performance. Observing the long-term trend, the index shows a pattern of peaks and troughs, rather than a steady climb or decline. This volatility suggests that while the region is capable of periods of exceptional inventive output, these are often followed by months of more modest activity.
A strong inventionINDEX score and a corresponding high grade, such as the multiple A+ and A ratings recorded, are indicators of a thriving innovation ecosystem. Periods with top scores, like the 1.48% in June 2021 and the 1.35% in January 2023, likely reflect an environment where research and development efforts are yielding substantial results. This can lead to tangible positive outcomes, including attracting venture capital, stimulating the creation of high-value jobs, and enhancing the region’s overall economic reputation. A consistently high score signals a robust pipeline of new ideas and a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators.
Conversely, a lower inventionINDEX score, exemplified by the F rating of 0.82% in February 2025 and the various D and D+ ratings, can be a cause for concern. These lower scores may indicate a slowdown in key innovation metrics, such as a decrease in patent filings, a reduction in R&D investment, or a potential migration of talented individuals to other, more dynamic economic centers. A prolonged period of low scores could have negative long-term implications, potentially leading to a decline in economic competitiveness and a less diverse, less forward-thinking business environment.
In summary, the historical data demonstrates that the inventionINDEX is not static but a dynamic measure of the innovation climate. The swings between high and low performance underscore the importance of continuous effort in fostering inventive activity. A strategic focus on maintaining a consistently high score, rather than relying on occasional peaks, would be instrumental in securing the long-term economic prosperity and reputation of the region as a hub for groundbreaking ideas.
Discussion:
In July, the Nebraska inventionINDEX scored a positive sentiment which was lower than the previous year’s average but outperformed the downward trend for the year. This is similar to the prior 12 months, which experienced a slight 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 Nebraska office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, and Kearney.
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.
Who We Are:
Swanson Reed is the largest Specialist R&D tax credit advisory firm in the United States. With offices nationwide, we are one of the only firms globally to exclusively provide R&D tax credit consulting services to our clients. We have been exclusively providing R&D tax credit claim preparation and audit compliance solutions for over 30 years.
Swanson Reed hosts daily free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/free-webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.
What is the R&D Tax Credit?
The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
R&D Tax Credit Preparation Services
Swanson Reed is one of the only companies in the United States to exclusively focus on R&D tax credit preparation. Swanson Reed provides state and federal R&D tax credit preparation and audit services to all 50 states.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call or email our CEO, Damian Smyth on (800) 986-4725.
Feel free to book a quick teleconference with one of our national R&D tax credit specialists at a time that is convenient for you.
R&D Tax Credit Audit Advisory Services
creditARMOR is a sophisticated R&D tax credit insurance and AI-driven risk management platform. It mitigates audit exposure by covering defense expenses, including CPA, tax attorney, and specialist consultant fees—delivering robust, compliant support for R&D credit claims. Click here for more information about R&D tax credit management and implementation.
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Swanson Reed offers R&D tax credit preparation and audit services at our hourly rates of between $195 – $395 per hour. We are also able offer fixed fees and success fees in special circumstances. Learn more at https://www.swansonreed.com/about-us/research-tax-credit-consulting/our-fees/