April 2026: 1.38% (B+ grade)

Wisconsin inventionINDEX April 2026: 1.38% (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).

Wisconsin inventionINDEX Scores – Last 12 months

The April 2026 inventionINDEX for Wisconsin settled at 1.38 percent, resulting in a B+ rating. This performance marks a significant retreat from the exceptional 2.51 percent recorded in March, which had earned the state a top-tier A+ rating. While the state began the year with a respectable A rating in January, the current figure indicates a cooling period in innovative output. This score is notably lower than the high-water marks seen throughout the latter half of 2025, suggesting that the early spring season has brought a temporary lull in the state’s research and development trajectory.

When placed in a broader historical context, the current 1.38 percent reflects a year-over-year regression. In April 2025, the index stood at a robust 2.01 percent, and April 2024 saw an even stronger 2.19 percent. However, the state’s sixty-month history is characterized by extreme volatility, ranging from the record high of 3.69 percent in May 2023 to the anomalous negative scores and F ratings seen in July 2022 and June 2023. Compared to those historical troughs, the current B+ rating demonstrates a much more stable and productive environment than the periods of significant disruption witnessed in years past.

A high grade on the inventionINDEX, specifically those within the A and A+ categories frequently achieved by Wisconsin, brings several vital economic benefits. These scores signify a prolific environment for intellectual property creation and technological advancement, which serves as a beacon for venture capital firms and high-growth industries. When the index performs at an elite level, it fosters a virtuous cycle of innovation where successful patent filings lead to increased funding, academic-industry partnerships, and the retention of top-tier engineering talent. Ultimately, these periods of high performance solidify the state’s reputation as a leader in the regional knowledge economy.

Conversely, a transition into lower ratings or a sustained decline in the index carries significant negative implications for the state’s competitive standing. A lower score often points toward a stagnation in the commercialization of new ideas or a reduction in private sector research investment. This can lead to a talent drain, as creative professionals migrate to more consistent innovation hubs, and may cause a cooling effect on local startup ecosystems. Maintaining a high trajectory is essential to avoid the risks of industrial obsolescence and to ensure the state remains resilient against broader economic shifts that favor regions with high technological yields.

Discussion:

In April, the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine, Appleton, Waukesha, Eau Claire, Oshkosh, and Janesville.

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.