Italian Audiovisual Sector Stalls, Undermining Cultural Industrialization Goals

Chiara Sbarigia, president of the Italian audiovisual producers association APA, stated in an interview with Il Sole24Ore that the sector is in a "stall phase," with revenue growing only from €16.3 billion to €17 billion in one year—an increase below 5%. This conservative growth discourages development. The article argues that Italy's formal commitment to transforming culture into an industrial segment, as outlined in the EU's Green Paper on Cultural and Creative Industries, remains unfulfilled. The audiovisual sector, alongside publishing, is seen as the most developed among creative industries and a testbed for industrial policy. The piece cites Patrizio Bianchi, former education minister under the Draghi government, who referenced economist David Landes to warn that economic dependence leads to political subordination. It emphasizes that linking cultural heritage with contemporary production (audiovisual, publishing, visual arts) can drive economic growth and international positioning. The article calls for clear, ambitious objectives to avoid mere welfare and argues that the audiovisual sector should contribute to Italy's wealth, not just be supported by the state.