June 2026: 2.06% (A+ grade)

New Hampshire inventionINDEX June 2026: 2.06% (A+ 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 New Hampshire inventionINDEX Scores

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

The New Hampshire inventionINDEX has demonstrated substantial resilience and volatility over the past sixty months, culminating in a strong performance of 2.06 percent with an A+ rating in June 2026. This recent score reflects a prominent recovery when compared against the historical sixty-month baseline, where the average index score sits at approximately 1.58 percent. Throughout this extended timeframe, the index reached its historical peak in August 2023 at 2.54 percent and suffered its lowest contraction in January 2026 at a mere 0.68 percent with a D rating. The rapid rebound from the dramatic drops observed earlier in the year, such as the 0.86 percent recorded in April 2026, highlights a dynamic and fluctuating innovation landscape within the state rather than a stationary economic trend.

Achieving a higher grade on the inventionINDEX, such as the top-tier A+ ratings observed in consecutive months like May and June of 2026, signals a robust and thriving ecosystem for technological and entrepreneurial advancement. An elevated score typically indicates heightened patent activity, increased research and development efficiency, and a fertile environment for commercializing new ideas. For New Hampshire, these superior ratings can attract significant venture capital, draw elite technical talent to the region, and foster collaborative partnerships between academic institutions and private enterprises. Ultimately, a strong grade serves as a powerful indicator of economic vitality, paving the way for long-term job creation and cementing the state’s reputation as a leader in regional innovation.

Conversely, a lower score or a sharp downward shift in the inventionINDEX carries serious negative implications for the state’s economic trajectory. Sudden drops, such as the historical low of 0.68 percent in January 2026 or the subsequent dip to 0.86 percent in April 2026, suggest underlying vulnerabilities or temporary disruptions in the creative pipeline. Lower scores often reflect reduced funding for vital research, a slowdown in startup formations, or a bottleneck in intellectual property development. If these depressed ratings persist over consecutive quarters, they can discourage external investors, cause a brain drain of skilled professionals to competing regions, and lead to broader economic stagnation as local industries lack the innovative influx required to remain competitive.

In conclusion, the historical trajectory of the New Hampshire inventionINDEX emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining a supportive infrastructure for continuous technological development. While the frequent fluctuations in the 2026 data underscore a degree of market sensitivity, the recurrent return to excellent performance proves that the foundational elements of innovation in the state remain exceptionally healthy. Balancing the positive momentum of high-scoring months with a proactive approach to mitigating the causes of sudden declines will be vital for sustained prosperity. Monitoring these shifts closely allows stakeholders to make informed, data-driven decisions, ensuring that New Hampshire can capitalize on its creative strengths while reinforcing its defenses against future economic downturns.

Discussion:

In June, the New Hampshire inventionINDEX scored a positive 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 New Hampshire office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Derry and Dover

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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