Italian Cultural Sector Employs 1.54 Million, Generates 115.8 Billion Euros in 2025

Fondazione Symbola's 'Io sono Cultura 2026' report, produced with Unioncamere and other partners, reveals that Italy's cultural and creative industries generated 115.8 billion euros in added value in 2025, 5.7% of the national economy, up 3.3% from 2024. Including induced effects, the total reaches 310 billion euros, 15.4% of GDP. The sector employs nearly 1.54 million people (+1.7% vs 2024), 5.7% of total employment, with 24.9% under 35, 52.6% graduates, and gender balance. However, half are independent workers, and the dissatisfaction rate of 7.5% is above the national average, especially in performing arts. Over 292,000 cultural enterprises exist, 17.9% women-led and 7.9% youth-led, plus 27,240 non-profits. Software and videogames lead in value and employment, followed by publishing, architecture, and design. Regionally, Lazio has the highest cultural added value and employment, followed by Lombardy and Piedmont. Culture drives over 40% of tourism presences and more than half of tourism spending. Fondazione Symbola president Ermete Realacci and Unioncamere president Andrea Prete emphasized culture's role in green and digital transition and competitiveness.