Kansas inventionINDEX September 2026: 1.76% (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).

Historical Kansas inventionINDEX Scores

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

The Kansas inventionINDEX score for September 2026 registered at 1.76% with a B rating, reflecting a moderate recalibration following a period of heightened activity earlier in the summer. While this marks a step down from August 2026 (2.11%, A-) and July 2026 (1.92%, B+), as well as the multi-year high recorded in June 2026 (2.58%, A+), it represents a substantial recovery compared to the lower figures seen in early 2026. For instance, the index sat at 1.23% (C+) in March 2026 and hovered around 1.40% across January and February. This dynamic illustrates that while recent momentum has moderated from mid-year peaks, the current output remains comfortably above the sluggish levels observed at the start of the year.

Looking across the full 60-month historical trajectory, the September 2026 score of 1.76% aligns favorably against the overall five-year average of approximately 1.68%. Over this extended period, the index has experienced notable cycles, ranging from a historical baseline low of 1.05% (C rating) in December 2021 to the record surge of 2.58% in June 2026. Intermediate peaks, such as 2.32% in October 2023 and 2.24% in January 2023, demonstrate the regional capacity for periodic breakthroughs. The sustained positioning of recent months within the 1.60% to 2.10% range suggests a durable structural foundation, keeping Kansas competitive relative to its historical performance norms.

Achieving higher inventionINDEX scores and superior ratings yields significant strategic and economic advantages for the regional ecosystem. Scores reaching into the A range (2.00% and above) signal robust intellectual property generation, vibrant research and development pipelines, and elevated commercialization efficiency. High grades act as a strong beacon for venture capital firm investments, attract top-tier technical talent, and foster public-private research partnerships. Furthermore, elevated innovation ratings enhance local enterprise valuation, accelerate the introduction of novel market solutions, and build long-term economic resilience.

Conversely, persistent lower scores and depressed ratings carry substantial negative implications for regional growth and competitiveness. Drops into the C tier (below 1.30%) reflect systemic friction, such as stalled patent filings, constrained research funding, or reduced commercial application of new technologies. A prolonged slump in the index can deter prospective investors, prompt capital outflows to more dynamic markets, and cause a drain of specialized talent. Ultimately, depressed invention scores signal reduced productivity and heighten the risk of economic stagnation in rapidly evolving technical sectors.

Discussion:

In September, the Kansas inventionINDEX scored a positive sentiment which was higher than the previous year’s average but underperformed the upward trend for the year. This is in contrast to the prior 12 months, which experienced a 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 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.