The article clarifies the essence and structure of the innovative potential of the enterprise. Modern approaches to the definition of the category "innovation potential" are analyzed. It is established that the innovation potential as a set of innovative resources, the implementation of which leads to the improvement and optimization of production, makes it possible to create and implement innovations in order to achieve strategic competitive advantages of the enterprise. It was found that the innovation potential organically connects the main potential of the enterprise for innovative development. It is determined that under the conditions of effective realization of all main components of innovation potential the enterprise strengthens its position on the market and achieves sustainable development. The levels of innovation potential of the enterprise are considered, which allow to determine the ability of the enterprise to introduce new technologies into the economic turnover while providing for the financial needs of the current production and economic activity. It is proved that the analysis of innovation potential by components provides an opportunity to develop procedures for assessing its sufficiency for the development, production and promotion of specific innovations.