THE GENESIS OF THE ESSENCE AND INTERPRETATION OF THE CONCEPT OF THE ENTERPRISE’S COMPETITIVE ABILITY

The subject of research. The combination of theoretical and methodological principles for the definition of the concept of the enterprise's competitive ability. The purpose of research is to study the essence of the concept of competition and the enterprise's competitive ability. Methods of research. The following methods were used: a system, comparison, abstract and logical, correlation and regression analysis, and historical method. Methodology of work is based on the study of contemporary domestic and foreign researches on the definition of the essence of the concept of the enterprise's competitive ability. The results of work. The essence and importance of the enterprise's competitive ability was studied in the article. The different views of scientists-economists in the category of «competitive ability of an enterprise» were considered. Practical implications. The theoretical principles, conclusions and recommendations can be used for the formation of modern economic policy and management activity of enterprises. Conclusions. The scientists' theoretical approaches in understanding of the concept of competition, competitiveness and competitive ability of an enterprise are analysed. The study was allowed to define the hierarchical structuring of competitiveness types and grouping of approaches to understanding the enterprise's competitive ability.