WYOMING INVENTIONINDEX | NOVEMBER 2025

November 2025: 16.92% (A+ grade)

Wyoming inventionINDEX November 2025: 16.92% (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).

Wyoming inventionINDEX Scores – Last 12 months

The Wyoming inventionINDEX for November 2025 stands at 16.92%, maintaining an A+ rating that has become a hallmark of the region’s performance over the last two years. While this current score is a decrease from the 24.86% recorded in October and the 35.99% seen in September, it remains comfortably within a healthy range for the current calendar year. The 2025 cycle has been particularly robust, highlighted by a significant peak of 51.89% in March, which represents the highest score recorded in the entire sixty-month dataset. This sustained high-level performance suggests that the local innovation ecosystem has reached a new plateau of productivity compared to the more volatile periods seen in previous years.

When looking back at the five-year historical trend, the current scores reflect a dramatic recovery and stabilization from the lows experienced in 2021 and 2022. The index reached its absolute nadir in July 2022 with a score of -8.52%, resulting in an F rating, and faced similar challenges in February 2021 with a -2.16% score. During those earlier periods, the index frequently fluctuated between C and B+ ratings, indicating a less certain environment for intellectual property and creative development. The shift from these sporadic negative or low-single-digit returns to a consistent A+ rating trend underscores a significant strengthening of the underlying factors that drive the Wyoming inventionINDEX.

The positive outcomes of maintaining such high scores and A+ ratings are multifaceted, signaling a vibrant environment for researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors. A high index score typically correlates with increased patent filings, higher rates of commercialization for new technologies, and a more competitive local economy. These scores act as a beacon for venture capital and specialized talent, suggesting that the region is a fertile ground for sustainable growth. When the index remains in the double-digit range, it fosters a culture of confidence that encourages long-term strategic investments in research and development, ultimately leading to higher-paying jobs and a more diversified economic base.

Conversely, lower scores such as those recorded in 2021 and 2022 carry negative implications that can hinder regional progress. A dip into the negative percentages or low-tier ratings like C or F often indicates a stagnation in creative output or a lack of institutional support for new ventures. Such results can lead to a loss of intellectual capital, where local innovators seek more supportive environments elsewhere. These lower scores also suggest an increased risk for investors, potentially reducing the funding necessary for early-stage development. By comparing the current 16.92% score to the historical lows, it is evident that maintaining the current trajectory is essential for avoiding the economic inertia that characterized the index’s more difficult months.

Discussion:

In November, 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 in contrast to the prior 12 months, which experienced a considerable 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 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.