Oregon inventionINDEX March 2026: 2.73% (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).

Oregon inventionINDEX Scores – Last 12 months

The March 2026 Oregon inventionINDEX score of 2.73 percent marks a significant turning point for the state’s innovation landscape as it enters the second quarter of the year. This A+ rating represents a sharp upward trajectory compared to the opening months of 2026, where the index languished at a C rating of 1.17 percent in January and a B- of 1.69 percent in February. The current performance indicates a robust recovery from the relatively stagnant period observed throughout the latter half of 2025, during which the score failed to break the 2.0 percent threshold for five consecutive months. By nearly doubling its score since the start of the year, Oregon has demonstrated a renewed capacity for intellectual property development and creative output.

A broader view of the sixty-month historical data reveals that while the March 2026 score is impressive, it remains modest when compared to the historical peak of 7.06 percent recorded in October 2023. However, excluding that significant statistical outlier, the current A+ rating places the state in the upper echelon of its five-year performance range. The index has survived notable periods of volatility, most notably the dip into negative territory with a -0.55 percent F rating in January 2023. Current stability appears much more aligned with the consistent high-performing months of 2024, suggesting that the state has successfully transitioned out of the low-growth cycle that characterized much of 2021 and 2022.

The attainment of a higher grade, such as the current A+ rating, carries substantial positive implications for Oregon’s economic and industrial future. High scores typically signal a fertile environment for technological advancement, increased patent activity, and a heightened level of venture capital interest. When the inventionINDEX thrives, it reflects a synergy between academic research, private sector development, and a skilled workforce capable of translating abstract ideas into marketable solutions. This momentum often leads to a self-sustaining cycle of growth, attracting top-tier talent and fostering an ecosystem where startups and established firms alike can achieve sustainable competitive advantages.

Conversely, a lower score or a failing grade serves as a warning sign of underlying structural or economic challenges. When the index drops toward the C or F range, as seen in early 2023 and early 2026, it often indicates a period of intellectual stagnation, reduced research and development spending, or significant barriers to commercialization. These lower scores suggest that the state may be losing its competitive edge to other regional innovation hubs, potentially leading to a brain drain of creative professionals and a decrease in long-term economic resilience. Maintaining the current high-grade momentum is therefore essential to avoid the periods of contraction that have historically hindered the state’s innovative potential.

Discussion:

In March, the Oregon inventionINDEX scored a positive sentiment which was higher than the previous year’s average and outperformed the downward trend for the year. This is similar to the prior 12 months, which experienced a slight 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 Oregon office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Bend, Medford, Springfield, and Corvallis.

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.