Culture and entertainment
The Italian Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) represent a diverse group of companies and professionals operating in sectors related to culture and creativity, regardless of their legal form. These companies play a fundamental role not only in cultural development, but also in the country's economic and employment growth.
Creative companies experiencing strong growth in Italy
According to the latest available data, in 2024 there were 288,786 companies in the sector, an increase of +1.8% compared to 2023 and +6.8% compared to 2021. CCIs account for 4.8% of Italy's total business population, up from 4.4% in 2021.
This expansion is also confirmed by the main economic indicators: in 2024, the added value produced by the sector reached €63.15 billion, equal to 3.2% of the entire national economy, with growth of +1.6% compared to 2023 and +20.9% compared to 2021.
The employment figure is also on the rise, with 905,753 employees in 2024, up +1.6% compared to the previous year, corresponding to 3.4% of the country's workforce.
In this scenario, cultural and creative businesses are also proving to be significant players in the green transition. Thanks to their ability to influence behaviors, lifestyles, and consumption patterns, cultural and creative enterprises can contribute to the spread of more sustainable and responsible practices, promoting a green culture across all sectors.
Source: Fondazione Symbola and Unioncamere, Io sono cultura 2025 (I am culture 2025).
Main subsectors
Under the legislation implementing the Made in Italy Act, the status of CCI is granted to businesses that meet a number of requirements, including operating in specific sectors identified by designated ATECO codes.
Based on this classification, these activities can be traced back to seven main sectors: software and video games, publishing and printing, architecture and design, communication, performing and visual arts, audiovisual and music, and historical and artistic heritage.
Source: Fondazione Symbola and Unioncamere, Io sono cultura 2025 (I am culture 2025).
17.7
€ BILLION
added value produced (2024)
Publishing and printing
Architecture and design
Communications
Performing and visual arts
Excellence and innovation
Digital cultural and creative enterprises are emerging as one of the main drivers of innovation in the cultural sector, helping transform the visitor experience and enhance the value of Italy's artistic heritage.
Technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality are finding concrete application in numerous projects.
Source: Unioncamere and Ministry of Labor and Social Policies, Imprese e professioni culturali e creative: I fabbisogni professionali e formativi (Cultural and creative enterprises and professions: professional and training needs); OpenCulture.it, Iconic Film from 1896 Restored with Artificial Intelligence.
The most innovative areas include:
Augmented reality to enhance the museum experience
Artificial Intelligence in cinema
Digital humanities
Regional impact
The strength of Italy's cultural supply chain is also reflected in its ability to attract tourism and generate economic value across local communities. Italy's artistic and natural heritage, outstanding food and wine traditions, high-quality manufacturing, and compelling calendar of events make it one of the world's most competitive tourist destinations.
Major metropolitan areas continue to account for the largest share of the cultural sector's economic output and employment. The picture is changing, however. Growing signs of dynamism are emerging in peripheral areas and Southern Italy, where the CCI supply chain is becoming more firmly established. This is an indication of a model that is moving toward a more polycentric distribution.
Sources: Unioncamere, Unioncamere Magazine 2026 02; Fondazione Symbola and Unioncamere, Io sono cultura 2025 (I am culture 2025).
Regions with the highest value added generated (2024)
Lombardy
1st place with €20.8 billion
Lazio
2nd place with €10.5 billion
Piedmont
3rd place with €5.1 billion
Veneto
4th place with €4.8 billion
Emilia-Romagna
5th place with €4.7 billion
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