Oregon inventionINDEX July 2026: 1.55% (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 Oregon inventionINDEX Scores

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

The latest Oregon inventionINDEX score for July 2026 stands at 1.55% with a B- rating, reflecting a moderate stabilization following a volatile multi-month stretch. Looking across the historical dataset spanning 61 months, this recent performance sits slightly below the overall period average of 1.98% and well beneath the historical high of 7.06% achieved in October 2023. However, the July 2026 reading represents a meaningful rebound from the trough observed earlier in the spring, when May 2026 fell to 0.87% and April 2026 registered 0.93%, both landing in the C- range. While current performance remains beneath the strong momentum seen in March 2026 when the index hit 2.73% with an A+ rating, the upward progression over the last two months indicates that regional innovation activity is regaining its footing after a brief contraction.

A broader review of the historical trajectory highlights key structural cycles and shifts in performance over the past five years. The dataset exhibits significant resilience when compared to the absolute low of -0.55% recorded in January 2023 with an F rating, which remains the only negative score in the entire window. High-performing periods, such as late 2023 through mid-2024, frequently saw ratings reach A or A+ status, powered by figures reaching up to 3.11% in August 2023 and 2.93% in January 2024. In comparison, the 2025 and 2026 calendar years have generally operated in a narrower band, predominantly hovering between the C+ and B+ tiers. This contraction in variance suggests a transition from aggressive surge growth toward a more temperate, consistent baseline, where index movements reflect broader economic recalibrations.

Achieving higher inventionINDEX scores and superior letter grades yields substantial economic and operational advantages for the region. Stronger ratings, particularly those in the A- to A+ range, signal robust technological vitality, high patent output, and an expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem. These top-tier marks boost investor confidence, attract capital, and encourage venture investment in local research and development initiatives. Elevated index scores also foster a virtuous cycle by attracting skilled talent, facilitating corporate expansion, and accelerating the commercialization of novel intellectual property, ultimately solidifying Oregon as a competitive technology center.

Conversely, lower index scores and depressed letter grades carry distinct negative implications for long-term growth and market sentiment. Sustained periods in the C or F categories, such as the downturn seen in early 2023 or the spring 2026 contraction, reflect diminished inventive output, cautious capital expenditure, and potential headwinds in commercial venture formation. A declining score can signal tightening liquidity, reduced corporate expenditure on research, and increased hesitation among venture capitalists to fund early-stage projects. To prevent prolonged stagnancy, economic leaders and policymakers must monitor these downward trends closely and implement targeted support mechanisms to reignite innovation momentum.

Discussion:

In July, the Oregon inventionINDEX scored a positive sentiment which was lower than the previous year’s average but outperformed the downward trend for the year. This is in contrast to the prior 12 months, which experienced a slight 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 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.