Establishment and operation of a nationally oriented thematic knowledge and technology transfer network in the innovation theme "Innovative Surfaces" with industry-driven priorities: optimization and development of surface functionalities through layer systems, new materials, and surface structuring; optimization and development of simulations and analysis techniques for characterizing complex surfaces and interfaces for industrial applications; optimization and development of processes, technologies, and processes for generating surface functionalities; furthermore, organization of events and seminars on innovation topics in the field of surface technology with leading scientists, entrepreneurs, and politicians; promotion of access to science-based knowledge from research for the economy as well as technology transfer between science and economy in specialist areas around surface technology; promotion of the economic implementation of research results with the goal of sustainably increasing innovation capacity and competitiveness of companies; initiation of application-oriented projects, which aim to promote inter-company cooperation and thus preserve or create jobs in Switzerland.