Innovation activity of an enterprise: theoretical aspect

The article studies theoretical aspects of development of the innovation theory and its categorical mechanism. It considers the essence of the "innovation activity of an enterprise" notion. It was established in the course of the study that there is no common definition of the notion in scientific literature. It was established on the basis of the conducted analysis that innovation activity is a complex of measures (scientific, technological, production, organisational, financial and commercial), which together lead to innovations in the form of a new or improved product (service) or technology of conducting business. The article identifies the subject, object, tasks and results of innovation activity of an enterprise, its structure and factors of activation. It proves that activity of innovation activity of an enterprise determines its innovation potential. Taking the above into account the article studies the essence of the notion and specifies its place in the economic potential of an enterprise. Moreover, it provides the structure of innovation potential of an enterprise and conducts analysis of its components. It formalises factors of positive and negative influence upon development of innovation activity in Ukraine.