June 2026: 1.06% (C+ grade)

Connecticut inventionINDEX June 2026: 1.06% (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).

Historical Connecticut inventionINDEX Scores

The Connecticut inventionINDEX score for the past 12 months is shown in the table below.

The Connecticut inventionINDEX for June 2026 stands at 1.06% with a C+ rating, indicating a noticeable improvement compared to the preceding two months of April and May 2026, which posted scores of 0.85% and 0.84% respectively, both earning a D- rating. Over the historical period provided, the index has experienced various fluctuations, maintaining an overall average score of approximately 0.97%. The June 2026 score represents a position above this long-term average, demonstrating a strong performance that aligns closely with prior high points such as March 2026 at 1.08% and October 2023 at 1.08%. This indicates a resilient rebound from the lower performance tiers observed during the spring of 2026, suggesting renewed momentum in the state’s innovation and invention ecosystem.

When examining the broader historical trajectory, the current score of 1.06% sits comfortably above the historic low recorded in November 2024, when the index bottomed out at 0.82% with an F rating. Conversely, the peak of the index occurred at the very beginning of this tracking period in June 2021, reaching 1.23% with an A- rating. While the current rating of C+ does not quite match the heights of mid-2021 or the subsequent peak of 1.19% in August 2021, it reflects a stable mid-to-high tier performance within the 60-month window. The index has frequently fluctuated between the 0.85% and 1.00% range, making the latest figure a positive deviation from the typical baseline and signaling that current economic or institutional factors are supportive of inventive output.

A higher grade and score on the inventionINDEX yield several positive outcomes for Connecticut’s economic and academic landscape. An elevated score signifies robust patent activity, increased research and development investment, and a thriving culture of entrepreneurship. When the index achieves higher ratings, such as the B and A ranges seen in years past or the current C+ recovery, it enhances the state’s reputation as a hub for technological advancement and industrial modernization. This strong performance serves as a powerful signal to venture capitalists, corporate partners, and skilled professionals, encouraging capital inflows and talent retention. Ultimately, sustained high scores lay the groundwork for long-term job creation, enhanced market competitiveness, and the commercialization of groundbreaking technologies that drive regional wealth.

Conversely, a lower score and subsequent grade reduction carry notable negative implications for the state’s economic vitality. Dropping into the D or F categories, as seen during periods like November 2024 or early 2026, indicates a contraction in innovation activity, which could stem from reduced funding, regulatory hurdles, or a decline in high-value patent filings. Persistent lower performance risks creating a stagnation cycle where a lack of visible innovation discourages external investment and prompts local innovators to relocate to more supportive jurisdictions. Furthermore, a depressed inventionINDEX suggests that regional industries may be falling behind national or global benchmarks, potentially weakening Connecticut’s competitive edge in critical sectors such as manufacturing, biotechnology, and digital systems. This underscores the necessity of maintaining robust support systems to prevent prolonged dips in inventive productivity.

Discussion:

In June, the Connecticut inventionINDEX scored a positive sentiment which was higher than the previous year’s average and 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 Connecticut office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Waterbury, Norwalk, Danbury, New Britain, Bristol and Meriden

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:

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