KANSAS INVENTIONINDEX | JANUARY 2026

January 2026: 1.42% (B- grade)

Kansas inventionINDEX January 2026: 1.42% (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).

Kansas inventionINDEX Scores – Last 12 months

The Kansas inventionINDEX score for January 2026 stands at 1.42 percent, yielding a rating of B-. This recent figure represents a decline from the preceding quarter, falling below the five-year historical average of approximately 1.66 percent. While this score matches previous benchmarks seen in April 2025 and March 2024, it indicates a cooling period compared to the more robust performance observed during the final months of 2025. This downward adjustment suggests a shift in the regional innovation landscape that warrants a closer look at the factors driving these monthly fluctuations.

Reviewing the sixty-month trajectory, the index exhibits significant volatility, reaching an impressive peak of 2.32 percent in October 2023. During that period, the index frequently achieved A or A- ratings, signaling a highly productive era for regional advancement and intellectual property generation. Conversely, the current score remains comfortably above the historical low of 1.05 percent recorded in December 2021. By maintaining a level above these previous valleys, the index demonstrates a degree of resilience despite the lack of recent momentum needed to reach the high-water marks seen in late 2023 and early 2024.

Higher scores and improved ratings, such as the A grades seen in early 2023, correlate with substantial positive outcomes for the regional economy. When the inventionINDEX climbs, it typically reflects an environment rich in intellectual property development, increased entrepreneurial investment, and a heightened capacity for technological breakthroughs. These periods of high performance foster a competitive edge, attracting talent and capital while positioning the region as a leader in industrial and scientific evolution. A stronger rating serves as a validation of the local infrastructure’s ability to support and scale new ideas effectively.

In contrast, a persistent lower score or a downward trend like the one observed entering 2026 carries negative implications for long-term growth. Lower ratings can signal a stagnation in creative output or a tightening of the resources necessary for research and development. When the index dips into the C range, as it did most recently in August 2025 and September 2024, it highlights potential vulnerabilities in the innovation pipeline that could lead to reduced economic competitiveness over time. Addressing these dips through strategic support and investment is essential for stakeholders who wish to avoid long-term declines and return the region to the elite performance levels witnessed in previous years.

Discussion:

In January, the Kansas inventionINDEX scored a positive sentiment which was lower than the previous year’s average and underperformed the upward trend for the year. This is in contrast 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 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.

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.