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 for February 2026 stands at 1.39 percent, reflecting a rating of B-. This figure represents a marginal decrease from the 1.42 percent recorded in January 2026 and a more pronounced decline from the stronger performance observed in the final quarter of 2025. While the index remained relatively robust during November 2025 with a 1.82 percent score, the subsequent months have signaled a cooling trend. This recent trajectory suggests a tightening of the innovative landscape in Kansas as the state moves further into the first quarter of the year.

When viewing the data through a broader historical lens, the current score resides well below the five-year peak of 2.32 percent achieved in October 2023. Throughout the last 60 months, the index has experienced several cycles of expansion and contraction, with significant highs often followed by periods of stabilization. The February 2026 score is notably higher than the historical low of 1.05 percent seen in December 2021, yet it fails to capture the momentum seen during the several A-rated periods of 2023 and early 2024. This middle-ground position indicates that while the state’s inventive output remains steady, it is currently lacking the accelerated growth observed in previous high-performing years.

Achieving a higher grade, such as the A ratings seen in late 2023 or the A- ratings in early 2024, yields substantial benefits for the regional economy. A higher inventionINDEX score typically correlates with increased patent activity, heightened research and development investment, and a more vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. These elevated ratings serve as a powerful signal to venture capitalists and industrial leaders that Kansas is a fertile ground for technological advancement. Furthermore, a top-tier rating fosters a culture of innovation that attracts high-skilled talent, ultimately driving job creation and long-term economic resilience.

Conversely, a lower score or a downward trend toward the C rating category presents several challenges for the state. A decline in the index can suggest a stagnation in the development of new intellectual property or a reduction in the resources allocated toward breakthrough projects. When the score dips, as it did to 1.08 percent in March 2023 or 1.13 percent in September 2024, it may reflect broader economic headwinds or a temporary lull in the commercialization of new ideas. Sustained lower ratings could lead to a loss of competitive advantage relative to other states, making it essential for stakeholders to monitor these shifts closely and consider strategic investments to reinvigorate the innovation pipeline.

Discussion:

In February, 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 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 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.