The aim of the paper was an innovativeness level appraisal of Polish provinces. The innovation level was determined using the synthetic indicator. The innovativeness level was determined based on selected indicators related to human resources, R&D sector activities and the effects of R&D sector activities. Based on the synthetic indicator the provinces have been divided into three classes. The highest innovativeness level was characterized by the following provinces: mazowieckie, małopolskie, dolnośląskie. While the lowest innovation level characterized the following provinces – lubuskie, warmińsko-mazurskie and świętokrzyskie provinces.