The problem of preserving the competitive positions by Russian companies during the economic crisis is the most pressing issue nowadays. The Russian Federation, like other countries, is experiencing the second wave of the economic crisis, which, in turn, leads not only to the reduction of the growth rates in general, but also negatively impacts all companies. The existing forecasts of the prospects and ways of recovery of the Russian economy from the crisis do not reflect the reality. The assessment of the role of innovations as a factor that is necessary for enterprises in order to enter the stage of stable economic growth determines the purpose of the present article. The material presented in this article will be of interest for postgraduate students and master's degree students studying Economics, as well as for managers of innovation-oriented organizations.