TechAmerica, a technology industry group, has asked that the tax credit for research and development (R&D) should become permanent, and be refundable for small start-ups. The R&D credit expired on 31 December 2013; it had survived as a temporary measure for over 20 years. Business advocates argue that the temporary character of the credit made it difficult for businesses to invest in R&D; the present proposals would increase the size of the credit as well as ensure the stability of the incentive.