Washington inventionINDEX September 2026: 1.23% (C+ 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 Washington inventionINDEX Scores

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

The September 2026 Washington inventionINDEX score of 1.23% with a C+ rating reflects a modest decline from August 2026 (1.35%, B-) but represents a slight recovery compared to July 2026 (1.15%, C+). Across the broader multi-year horizon, the current figure sits below the overall historical average of approximately 1.37% observed across the dataset. While the score remains above the multi-year floor seen in prior low periods, it continues a pattern of mid-tier, C-range performances that have characterized much of 2025 and 2026. Evaluating this latest reading against short-term monthly fluctuations indicates that while immediate volatility remains constrained within a narrow band, the overall momentum has settled into a conservative holding pattern rather than mounting a sustained upward trajectory.

A long-term comparative analysis highlights a clear evolution in performance levels across the sixty-month dataset. The index achieved its peak in April 2022 at an exceptional 2.28% (A+), followed by strong annual averages of 1.55% in 2022, 1.42% in 2023, and 1.38% in 2024. During those earlier periods, top-tier ratings in the A and B ranges were frequent, propelled by notable spikes such as 1.81% in March 2024 and 1.76% in October 2023. Conversely, recent performance reflects a cooler baseline, with 2025 averaging 1.25% and reaching a record low of 0.96% (C-) in April 2025. The 2026 year-to-date trajectory, averaging 1.22%, demonstrates stability relative to late 2025, but remains distinctly below the robust benchmark set during the 2022 to 2024 cycle.

Achieving higher inventionINDEX scores and reaching A or B ratings yields significant strategic advantages for organizational growth and market standing. Stronger scores signal robust research and development productivity, accelerated commercialization of intellectual property, and heightened technological leadership within the sector. When ratings rise into top-tier territory, stakeholders gain greater confidence, which often translates into expanded investment capital, easier access to partnership opportunities, and enhanced competitive differentiation. Furthermore, elevated metrics correlate with optimized innovation pipelines, suggesting that creative output is effectively moving from conceptual stages to tangible, high-value outcomes.

Conversely, persistent trends in lower score tiers carry notable risks and operational challenges. Prolonged settlement in C-range ratings, as observed in recent months, points toward potential bottlenecks in project execution, reduced output efficiency, or delays in patent filings and technological deployment. Sustained periods of lower scores can erode investor sentiment, weaken brand perception relative to industry peers, and constrain capital allocation for future initiatives. If the score fails to rebound toward historical averages above 1.37%, organizations risk ceding competitive momentum, underscoring the importance of diagnosing root causes and reinvigorating core innovation drivers to restore long-term growth.

Discussion:

In September, the Washington 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 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 Washington office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Kent, Everett, Renton, Federal Way and Yakima

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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