Connecticut inventionINDEX September 2026: 0.99% (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 September 2026 stands at 0.99% with a C- rating, reflecting a modest recovery following a period of heightened volatility earlier in the year. When evaluated against the broader five-year dataset spanning from September 2021 through September 2026, the current figure sits right near the historical benchmark average of approximately 0.96%. The metric rebounded from a summer trough of 0.89% in July 2026 and a spring low of 0.84% in May 2026, marking a positive two-month upward trajectory. While this figure falls short of the strong performance seen in March 2026 when the index reached 1.08% with a C+ rating, it demonstrates stability relative to the severe fluctuations observed over the preceding twelve months.

Historical context reveals significant cyclicality across the sixty-month historical window, highlighting both peak periods of innovative output and notable slowdowns. The historical high mark occurred in August 2023, when the index achieved a score of 1.15% and a B rating, followed by strong showings in January 2023 at 1.12% and July 2025 at 1.09%, both earning B- ratings. Conversely, the metric experienced its sharpest decline in November 2024, plummeting to a record low of 0.82% and an F rating. Comparison across multiple years demonstrates that while the index periodically surges past 1.05% into C+ and B territory, it frequently retreats into the 0.85% to 0.95% corridor, placing September 2026 near the upper boundary of its historical baseline range.

Achieving higher scores and superior letter grades yields several tangible benefits for Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem and broader economy. An elevated index score, particularly those surpassing 1.05% with C+ or B ratings, signals robust research output, heightened patent generation, and vigorous commercialization activity across key industries. These higher tiers foster increased investor confidence, drawing venture capital, institutional funding, and top-tier technical talent to the state. Furthermore, sustained high ratings enhance regional competitiveness, encouraging local universities and corporate laboratories to expand research infrastructure, which ultimately fuels high-value job creation and long-term economic growth.

Conversely, a lower score carries notable negative implications that can hinder the state’s economic progress over extended periods. Dips below the 0.90% threshold, such as the D- ratings recorded in January and May 2026, reflect contractions in intellectual property filings and stifled entrepreneurial velocity. Prolonged suppression in score values can lead to diminished investor participation, capital flight to competing technological hubs, and an erosion of the local research talent base. In addition, lower index ratings indicate potential structural bottlenecks in technology transfer and commercialization, leaving local enterprises vulnerable to broader market downturns and national competition.

Discussion:

In September, the Connecticut inventionINDEX scored a negative sentiment which was higher than the previous year’s average and outperformed the upward trend for the year. This is similar 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 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:

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.

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