Italian Chamber Approves Made in Italy Bill with Cultural Industry Reforms

The Italian Chamber of Deputies has passed a bill aimed at enhancing, promoting, and safeguarding Made in Italy, which now awaits a Senate vote. This legislation, addressing Cultural and Creative Enterprises (ICC) for the first time, will create a business registry at the Chamber of Commerce and a national ICC registry overseen by the Ministry of Culture. It also proposes tax incentives and 'cultural free zones' for small and micro businesses. Article 17 permits cultural institutions to register trademarks for commercial activities. However, critics contend that the generated revenue should contribute to the state budget, which may undermine museum independence. Additionally, the bill revises Article 115 of the Cultural Heritage Code, introducing tenders for indirect management but lacking substantial support for cultural professions and funding.