Wyoming inventionINDEX July 2026: 15.33% (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).

Historical Wyoming inventionINDEX Scores

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

The Wyoming inventionINDEX recorded a score of 15.33 percent in July 2026, securing an A+ rating and continuing a period of notable stability. When evaluated against the broader 60-month dataset spanning from July 2021 through July 2026, this latest metric lands almost precisely on the five-year historical average of 15.25 percent and matches the median benchmark of 15.33 percent. Over this five-year timeline, the index has experienced a pronounced upward trajectory, progressing from modest annual averages of 7.38 percent in 2021 and 7.51 percent in 2022 to robust annual averages of 25.13 percent in 2025 and 22.60 percent through the first seven months of 2026. This long-term expansion demonstrates that while monthly scores naturally ebb and flow, the baseline output of innovation in Wyoming has elevated significantly compared to earlier historical cycles.

A deeper examination of historical variance highlights how the current environment contrasts with earlier periods of market volatility. The historical record includes significant swings, ranging from a nadir of negative 8.52 percent with an F rating in July 2022 to a peak score of 51.89 percent in March 2025. Furthermore, isolated dips into lower tiers occurred in months such as January 2022, April 2023, and August 2024, where scores dropped near 1.02 percent and triggered C ratings. In contrast to those intermittent contractions, the state has achieved remarkable consistency in recent years, maintaining an uninterrupted 23-month streak of A+ ratings from September 2024 through July 2026. This sustained high-tier performance confirms that the regional invention pipeline has transitioned from sporadic breakthroughs into a mature, repeatable economic engine.

Sustaining high scores and top-tier A+ ratings yields substantial advantages for the regional economic ecosystem. Higher index values reflect vibrant research activity, accelerated commercialization of intellectual property, and strong cross-industry collaboration. When the grade consistently resides in the upper echelon, venture capital firms and institutional investors view the market with increased confidence, leading to expanded equity funding, job growth, and infrastructure development. Furthermore, elevated metrics serve as a compelling catalyst for talent attraction, encouraging entrepreneurs, engineers, and researchers to establish operations within the state. Ultimately, a thriving index score strengthens the broader business landscape, driving sustainable long-term economic diversification and competitive advantage.

Conversely, a decline in the inventionINDEX score brings notable strategic risks and negative economic implications. Lower grades, particularly C or F ratings, signal reduced intellectual property generation, funding bottlenecks, or broader macroeconomic friction that stifles entrepreneurial activity. Extended periods of suppressed scores can lead to investor hesitation, reduced venture capital deployment, and potential capital flight toward more dynamic markets. Additionally, a contracting score may indicate diminished commercialization efficiency from research institutions, risking talent brain drain as skilled professionals seek opportunities elsewhere. By regularly monitoring these metrics, policy makers and industry leaders can identify emerging vulnerabilities early, deploying targeted incentives and resource allocations to prevent prolonged downturns.

Discussion:

In July, the Wyoming inventionINDEX scored a positive sentiment which was lower than the previous year’s average and underperformed the upward trend for the year. This is similar 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.