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).

Wyoming inventionINDEX Scores – Last 12 months

The Wyoming inventionINDEX for February 2026 stands at 18.51 percent, maintaining a consistent A plus rating. This performance represents a notable increase from the previous month of January, which recorded 15.33 percent. Over the most recent quarter, the index has shown resilience, staying well above the twenty-eight percent mark in December before stabilizing in the mid to high teens. This trajectory suggests a period of steady growth and stability in the innovation sector as the first quarter of 2026 progresses.

Looking back across the historical sixty-month window, the current figures reflect a significantly more robust environment than the periods of volatility observed in earlier years. For instance, the index reached a remarkable peak in March 2025 at 51.89 percent, which stands as a high-water mark for the five-year period. Conversely, the data shows recovery from historical lows, such as the negative 8.52 percent recorded in July 2022 and the negative 2.16 percent in February 2021. The shift from more frequent C and F ratings in 2021 and 2022 to a near-constant A plus status in late 2024 and throughout 2025 highlights a long-term upward trend in performance and regional competitiveness.

Achieving and sustaining a higher grade, particularly an A plus rating, brings several positive outcomes for the economic landscape. A high score signifies a vibrant ecosystem for research and development, suggesting that new ideas are being successfully converted into viable commercial or industrial assets. These elevated ratings often attract increased investment, as capital tends to flow toward regions demonstrating consistent innovation and intellectual property growth. Furthermore, a strong index score boosts confidence among entrepreneurs and established firms, fostering a culture where risk-taking is supported by a proven track record of success.

On the other hand, a lower score or a downward shift in the index carries negative implications that warrant close monitoring. Periods characterized by C or F ratings, as seen in several months during 2021 and 2022, typically indicate stagnation or a decline in creative output and patent activity. Such results can lead to a loss of competitive advantage, making it difficult to retain talent or secure the funding necessary for future projects. If the index remains low for extended periods, it may signal underlying structural issues that could hinder long-term prosperity. Therefore, maintaining the current momentum is essential to avoid the pitfalls associated with the troughs observed in the historical record.

Discussion:

In February, the Wyoming 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 Wyoming office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Gillette, and Rock Springs.

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.