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).

Oklahoma inventionINDEX Scores – Last 12 months

The Oklahoma inventionINDEX currently stands at 1.35 percent for February 2026, maintaining the same position it held in the previous month. While this C+ rating represents a stable baseline, it reflects a notable cooling period following the exceptional performance seen in the final quarter of 2025. During that time, the index reached a peak of 4.29 percent in October, earning an A+ rating and demonstrating a high level of intellectual property activity and innovative momentum. When viewed against the full sixty-month historical backdrop, the current score sits comfortably above the periodic regressions into negative territory but remains below the aggressive growth cycles that have characterized the region’s most productive intervals.

Higher grades within this index, such as the consistent A+ ratings observed in early 2025 and mid-2024, signal a robust environment for technological advancement and economic diversification. When the score climbs toward the four percent threshold, it typically suggests an increase in patent filings, successful research commercialization, and a heightened interest from venture capital firms looking for emerging markets. These periods of high performance foster a culture of entrepreneurship that can lead to significant job creation and a more resilient local economy. By achieving these elevated ratings, the state positions itself as a competitive hub for talent and industry leaders who prioritize a forward-thinking and supportive infrastructure for new ideas.

Conversely, a descent into lower ratings or negative percentages, as seen during the sharp decline in June 2025 or the stagnant period in late 2021, presents significant challenges for the region. A lower score often indicates a bottleneck in the innovation pipeline, potentially caused by reduced research funding, regulatory hurdles, or a lack of institutional support for new ventures. These downturns can lead to a loss of momentum where skilled professionals may seek opportunities in more active markets, further depleting the local talent pool. Sustained low ratings risk creating an environment of risk aversion, where the lack of new developments makes the economy more vulnerable to external shocks and limits its ability to compete on a national or global scale.

Looking at the sixty-month trajectory as a whole, the Oklahoma inventionINDEX reveals a pattern of cyclical volatility marked by impressive recoveries. The current stability at 1.35 percent suggests a period of consolidation where the market is balancing previous gains against current economic conditions. While the score is not currently reaching the heights of the 2025 peak, it avoids the volatility of the 2022 period, which saw multiple instances of failing grades and negative growth. To move back into the A range, the focus must remain on supporting the drivers of innovation that led to previous successes. Maintaining a steady upward trend will be essential for ensuring that the region remains a viable and attractive destination for long-term intellectual and economic growth.

Discussion:

In February, the Oklahoma inventionINDEX scored a positive sentiment which was lower than the previous year’s average and 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 Oklahoma office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, Lawton, Edmond, Moore, Midwest City, Enid, and Stillwater.

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.