Australia has a number of programmes to encourage innovation at the level of the firm. For instance, in R&D in Australia, there are tax concessions allowing 150% of expenditure to be claimed against income; grants for industrial R&D; a National Industry Extension Service to assist small and medium-sized firms with good growth prospects to develop an internationally competitive edge; and a programme of partnership agreements. It is unusual among OECD countries for the government to have such extensive technology policies. In Australia, this is because of a precarious trading position in technology-based goods; an awareness of this situation at many levels including the trade unions and a realisation of the need for intervention; and a programme of thoughtful and well-managed schemes.