The article is devoted to the research and innovation potential of the Visegrad countries. The main components of innovative development, its dynamics and existing problems are analyzed, among which difficulties with human resources, financing, intellectual property are relevant. Main directions of specialization of the Visegrad research & development sector, including technical and natural sciences, are shown. International cooperation is considered from the point of view of migration of scientific personnel, joint projects, key partner countries. Research cooperation within the Visegrad Group is evaluated. The importance of pan-European financing for the development of the research and innovation potential of the «four» members is considered. Special attention is paid to the peculiarities, structure and dynamic of high-tech export of the Visegrad countries. The analysis carried out allows us to conclude that the Czech Republic will preserve its leading position in the innovation sector in the Group. In turn Hungary due to the existing restriction most likely will not be able to reach the Czech level in the near future. Lagging behind Slovakia and Poland will develop within the framework of different trends: Slovakia - oriented to the Visegrad region, Poland - in more diversified directions.