The work reveals basic conceptual provisions of managing projects that enable enterprises to start developing innovatively. On the basis of the stated theoretical provisions, goals and tasks required to solve the most important research and technical problems are defined. The goal of this article is to systemize conceptual provisions of the theory of managing innovation projects based on applying various methods to estimate them. Innovation project management is based on such principles as selective management, target focus of projects, completeness of project management cycle, stage-by-stage approach and hierarchical nature of the innovation process and project management process, and multivariance. In order to form conceptual basics and implement the process of innovation project management, it is necessary to solve the following tasks: to consider conceptual basics of innovation project management, to reveal the specificity of the mechanism related to managing innovation projects, and to develop the algorithm of applying the Gurwitz method to manage the innovation project.

The article deals with the improvement of innovative forms as a tool for effective development of small business and as integral part of innovation in any enterprise, which strives to become market leader. Thus, the article aims at improving innovative forms of small business development based on the presented methodology. In the framework of set goal, it is necessary to consider the concept of small business innovation activity based on scientific approaches. This requires solving the following tasks: Presenting conceptual studies and publications in the innovation field; Considering the dynamics of small business innovation in the national economy as well as innovative activity of small business entities; Studying the dynamics of the global innovation index as well as the strengths and weaknesses of innovations in small business in Russia for 2016; By giving the recommendations for practical application and further improvement of innovative forms as a tool for effective development of small business, by involving the use of innovative state institutions.