Oklahoma inventionINDEX August 2026: 2.08% (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 Oklahoma inventionINDEX Scores

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

The Oklahoma inventionINDEX score for August 2026 reached 2.08% with a B+ rating, positioning the state above its 60-month historical average of 1.80%. While this latest figure represents a slight consolidation from the robust mid-summer peak in July 2026 (3.70%, A+) and June 2026 (3.12%, A+), it marks a significant recovery from May 2026, which posted a modest 1.05% with a C rating. Compared to the same calendar month in prior years—such as August 2025 at 1.64% (B-) and August 2023 at 1.20% (C)—the current mark underscores a stronger multi-year trajectory for regional economic vitality and patent momentum.

Analyzing the full historical dataset reveals clear cyclical swings in innovation output across Oklahoma over the five-year timeframe. The state achieved its zenith in July and October 2025, peaking at 4.29% with back-to-back A+ ratings, whereas the lowest contraction occurred in June 2025 at -2.33% with an F rating. Dips below zero have occurred rarely, appearing only three times across the recorded period. The overall distribution shows that top-tier marks in the A range appear regularly, demonstrating that the underlying innovation ecosystem remains capable of high-velocity expansion following brief periods of downturn.

High inventionINDEX scores yield direct positive outcomes for the regional economy by bolstering business confidence and capital allocation. Ratings in the A and B+ bands serve as a compelling signal to venture capital firms, angel investors, and enterprise partners seeking vibrant markets for commercialization. Elevated index scores reflect increased patent applications, active tech transfer from research institutions, and accelerated product development. These conditions drive high-wage job creation, foster startup incubators, and establish a competitive edge that draws technical talent and corporate investment into the state.

In contrast, lower scores and degraded ratings carry noticeable risks for the broader economic outlook. Dips into the C, D, or F ranges signal slowed research funding, reduced intellectual property activity, and potential bottlenecks in the startup pipeline. Sustained periods of low performance can deter outside investment, cause regional tech talent to migrate elsewhere, and delay the commercial rollout of promising technologies. Consequently, policy leaders and economic developers must monitor downward trends closely to deploy targeted grants, tax incentives, and institutional support during softer cycles.

Discussion:

In August, the Oklahoma inventionINDEX scored a positive sentiment which was lower than the previous year’s average and underperformed the downward trend for the year. This is in contrast to the prior 12 months, which experienced a considerable 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 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.

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