The role of NGO's in the process of implementation of innovative projects, and their outcomes

The thesis addresses subject of innovative projects of NGOs in the field of parental support to return to the labour market after maternity leave. The main purpose of the thesis is to deliver a report about the role of the NGO in the process of implementation of innovative projects by using case studies. The objective of the thesis is to identify outcomes and level of innovation of these projects on the basis of testimonies of active participants. The theoretical part of the thesis describes NGOs and their basic functions, definition of innovation, and definition of social innovation. Another part of the thesis discusses issues related to the return to the labour market after maternity leave, family politics in the Czech Republic, and its support in the form of the Structural Funds of the European Union. Main findings of the research is that NGOs in the Czech Republic have mainly linking function between individuals and corporations. Networking enables mutual exchange of information and experience. It is a highly important contribution of these projects. Key words Civil Society, Civil Sector, Non-profit Sector, Function of NGO's, Innovation, Social Innovation, Labour Market, Equal Employment Opportunity, Work Life balance