IDAHO INVENTIONINDEX | JUNE 2025
June 2025: 1.25% (B- grade)
Idaho inventionINDEX June 2025: 1.25% (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 June 2025 inventionINDEX score for Idaho stands at 1.25%, representing a slight decline from May’s 1.53% and continuing a mild downward trend from earlier in the year. While this score remains within a historically stable range, it is below the 12-month average of approximately 1.47%. The fluctuation is not unusual, but it does warrant attention as it may reflect shifting innovation dynamics in the state-either in patent filings, R&D investments, or broader economic conditions influencing inventive activity.
When compared to peak months like October 2024 (1.89%) and June 2024 (1.70%), the current score suggests a cooling off in momentum. That said, Idaho’s June figure is still higher than November 2024’s low of 1.18%, showing that the current dip is moderate rather than concerning. One interpretation is that while innovation is still present, it may be more focused, targeted, or experiencing delays in publication and patent approvals. The relatively consistent score through late 2024 and early 2025 also indicates a resilient baseline of inventive output.
A higher inventionINDEX score typically reflects strong R&D engagement, increased patent activity, and a supportive environment for innovation. For Idaho, such trends can translate into greater economic competitiveness, higher-quality jobs, and more partnerships between academia and industry. It can also position the state as a regional hub for specialized technologies, attracting venture capital and federal funding opportunities.
Conversely, a lower or declining score might indicate barriers to innovation, such as reduced funding, talent outflow, or shifts in industrial focus. If this trend were to persist, it could signal challenges in maintaining long-term innovation leadership. For Idaho, sustaining or improving the inventionINDEX will depend on reinforcing institutional support, ensuring access to research infrastructure, and nurturing a pipeline of innovators across public and private sectors.
Discussion:
In June, the Idaho 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 considerable 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 Idaho office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls and Pocatello.
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.
