Genesis and definition of the economic category of “an enterprise’s potential”

The article analyzes the genesis of the economic category of «potential», justifies two stages of its development. Following the analysis of contemporary economic literature the scientific approaches to the interpretation of the definition of «an enterprise’s potential» have been highlighted, the author’s definition of an enterprise’s potential as system of interrelated resources, external and internal capabilities that it uses to produce the desired results of economic activities, adaptation and achievement of strategic goals has been suggested.