MISSISSIPPI INVENTIONINDEX | SEPTEMBER 2025

September 2025: 1.27% (B+ grade)

Mississippi inventionINDEX Scores – Last 12 months

The Mississippi inventionINDEX for September 2025 stands at 1.27%, earning a B+ grade. This represents a notable improvement compared to the preceding months of August, July, and June 2025, which all registered significantly lower scores and ‘F’ ratings. Looking further back, the September 2025 score also surpasses the average performance of the last 12 months, indicating a positive shift in the state’s innovation output. This upward trend is a welcome development, especially when considering the economic uncertainties that have been present in recent years.

A higher inventionINDEX score and a positive grade, such as the current B+, signify a robust and growing innovation ecosystem within Mississippi. This suggests that the state is experiencing healthy GDP growth relative to its patent production growth, which is a key indicator of economic vitality and future potential. Such positive sentiment can attract investment, foster new businesses, and create job opportunities, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and prosperous economy. It also reflects a favorable environment for research and development, encouraging further innovative endeavors across various sectors.

Conversely, lower scores and grades, particularly an ‘F’ rating, carry significant negative implications. These indicate a slowdown or decline in innovation output, where GDP growth is not keeping pace with patent production. Such a trend can signal underlying economic weaknesses, potentially leading to reduced investment, slower job creation, and a less competitive economic landscape. Sustained low scores could hinder the state’s ability to adapt to economic shifts and recover from downturns, as innovation is a critical driver of long-term economic growth and stability.

While the September 2025 score shows promising signs, it is essential to consider the broader historical context. The table reveals fluctuations over the past 60 months, with periods of strong performance interspersed with lower scores. This highlights the dynamic nature of innovation and the various factors that can influence it. Continued monitoring and strategic initiatives will be crucial to sustain positive momentum and address any challenges that may arise, ensuring Mississippi’s long-term economic resilience through innovation.

Discussion:

In September, the Mississippi inventionINDEX scored a positive sentiment which was higher than the previous year’s average and outperformed the downward trend for the year. This is similar to the prior 12 months, which experienced a 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 Mississippi office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Meridian, Tupelo, Greenville, Olive Branch, and Horn Lake.

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.