OKLAHOMA INVENTIONINDEX | NOVEMBER 2025
November 2025: 3.26% (A+ grade)
Oklahoma inventionINDEX November 2025: 3.26% (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).
Oklahoma inventionINDEX Scores – Last 12 months
| Month | inventionINDEX Score |
| November 2025 | 3.26% |
| Oct 25 | 4.29% |
| Sep 25 | 2.67% |
| Aug 25 | 1.64% |
| Jul 25 | 4.29% |
| Jun 25 | -2.33% |
| May 25 | 1.50% |
| Apr 25 | 4.00% |
| Mar 25 | 2.97% |
| Feb 25 | 2.38% |
| Jan 25 | 1.35% |
| Dec 24 | 1.79% |
| Nov 24 | 1.50% |
The Oklahoma inventionINDEX score for November 2025 stands at a commendable 3.26%, earning an A+ rating. This performance significantly exceeds the 60-month historical average of approximately 1.78%, signaling a period of robust intellectual and economic productivity for the region. When compared to the broader historical dataset, the current score represents a position within the top quartile of recorded values. The recent momentum observed in the latter half of 2025, specifically the peak scores of 4.29% in July and October, underscores a trajectory of high-level output that surpasses the more modest figures seen in the earlier years of the decade.
Examining the long-term trends reveals a notable evolution in the index stability. In the period between 2021 and 2022, the index frequently encountered volatility, characterized by multiple F ratings and scores dipping as low as -0.57%. However, the subsequent years have demonstrated a maturing innovation ecosystem. While 2025 experienced a singular anomalous drop to -2.33% in June, the swift recovery to A+ status within a month illustrates the resilient nature of the current economic environment. This ability to bounce back from localized downturns distinguishes the recent performance from the prolonged periods of stagnation or low single-digit growth observed in 2023.
Sustaining a higher grade, such as the current A+, yields substantial positive outcomes for the regional economy. High scores on the inventionINDEX typically correlate with increased patent filings, enhanced research and development funding, and a more competitive landscape for technology startups. These factors serve as a magnet for venture capital and high-skilled talent, fostering an environment where innovation can flourish. A consistent A range rating projects an image of Oklahoma as a leader in the knowledge economy, encouraging long-term institutional investments and strengthening the foundation for future industrial advancements.
Conversely, a decline in the index score carries significant negative implications for the state’s developmental goals. Lower scores, particularly those in the D or F range, often indicate a contraction in creative output or a failure to capitalize on emerging market trends. Such dips can lead to a decrease in investor confidence and a potential migration of talent to more vibrant innovation hubs. If the score remains consistently low, it may signal an underlying systemic issue in the research infrastructure or a lack of necessary support for entrepreneurs. Therefore, monitoring these fluctuations is essential for policymakers to implement timely interventions that prevent short-term volatility from becoming long-term economic decline.
Discussion:
In November, the Oklahoma inventionINDEX scored a positive sentiment which was higher than the previous year’s average and outperformed 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 Oklahoma office provides R&D tax credit consulting and advisory services to Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, Lawton, Edmond, Moore, Midwest City, Enid, and Stillwater.
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.
Are you eligible?
Why choose us?
Pass an Audit?
What is the R&D Tax Credit?
The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
Never miss a deadline again
Stay up to date on IRS processes
Discover R&D in your industry
R&D Tax Credit Preparation Services
Swanson Reed is one of the only companies in the United States to exclusively focus on R&D tax credit preparation. Swanson Reed provides state and federal R&D tax credit preparation and audit services to all 50 states.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call or email our CEO, Damian Smyth on (800) 986-4725.
Feel free to book a quick teleconference with one of our national R&D tax credit specialists at a time that is convenient for you.
R&D Tax Credit Audit Advisory Services
creditARMOR is a sophisticated R&D tax credit insurance and AI-driven risk management platform. It mitigates audit exposure by covering defense expenses, including CPA, tax attorney, and specialist consultant fees—delivering robust, compliant support for R&D credit claims. Click here for more information about R&D tax credit management and implementation.
Our Fees
Swanson Reed offers R&D tax credit preparation and audit services at our hourly rates of between $195 – $395 per hour. We are also able offer fixed fees and success fees in special circumstances. Learn more at https://www.swansonreed.com/about-us/research-tax-credit-consulting/our-fees/
Choose your state
