DELAWARE INVENTIONINDEX | NOVEMBER 2025

November 2025: 1.15% (C+ grade)

Delaware inventionINDEX November 2025: 1.15% (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).

Delaware inventionINDEX Scores – Last 12 months

The historical performance of the inventionINDEX over the last 60 months reveals a dynamic and moderately volatile landscape for innovation, setting the stage for a critical comparison with more recent scores. Across the entire period, the mean inventionINDEX Score stands at $0.91%, with a median value of $0.94%, indicating a typical performance gravitates toward the mid-C range. The scores have demonstrated considerable fluctuation, ranging from a concerning low of $-0.13% in December 2021 to a remarkable peak of $2.03% in April 2025. Notably, the average score for the most recent 12 months is $1.34%, suggesting that the current momentum is demonstrably above the long-term historical average, a potentially encouraging signal for the state of invention.

A higher inventionINDEX score and its corresponding grade, such as the ‘A+’ achieved in April 2025, are associated with overwhelmingly positive outcomes for the innovation ecosystem. A consistently high grade signifies a robust environment characterized by increased levels of inventive activity, successful commercialization, and greater investment confidence. Such peak performance suggests that the local economy is generating significant intellectual property and is highly competitive, which attracts top-tier talent and capital. This upward momentum often translates into stronger economic growth, job creation, and a self-reinforcing cycle of innovation that benefits various sectors and stakeholders.

Conversely, a lower score and the accompanying low-tier grade, specifically the ‘F’ rating attached to the historical minimum of $-0.13% in December 2021, carry considerable negative implications. A score significantly below the historical mean suggests a period of stagnation or even contraction in inventive output. Such extended poor performance can signal weaknesses in critical areas like research funding, policy support, or access to venture capital. If left unaddressed, a sustained low score risks eroding a region’s competitive edge, potentially leading to the flight of key innovators and businesses, and ultimately hindering long-term economic development and prosperity.

The most recent data point for November 2025 shows the inventionINDEX Score at $1.15%, earning a ‘C+’ rating. While this score is above the 60-month mean, it also highlights the challenge of maintaining peak performance, especially when compared to the recent high-grade months. The historical volatility, evidenced by a standard deviation of $0.46%, underscores the need for continuous, strategic support to elevate the baseline score consistently beyond the ‘C’ range. The current trajectory suggests a positive movement, but sustaining scores well above the $1.50% mark will be crucial to solidify the state’s reputation as a top-tier hub for innovation.

Discussion:

In November, the Delaware inventionINDEX scored a positive sentiment which was lower than the previous year’s average but outperformed the downward trend for the year. This is in contrast to the prior 12 months, which experienced an upward 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 Delaware office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown and Smyrna.

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.