Reggio Emilia cultural sector adds €1.26 billion in 2025, led by video games

The 2025 report on Reggio Emilia’s cultural and creative economy shows a total value added of €1.26 billion, representing 5.7% of the province’s overall wealth and a 4% increase over the previous year. The video‑games and software segment generated €124 million, up 17%, while architecture and design contributed €141 million, rising 6.8%. Communication grew modestly to €64 million (+1.6%). Audiovisual, music and historic‑artistic heritage remained stable at €48 million and €14 million respectively. Publishing fell 1.9% to €106 million and performing arts/visual arts dropped sharply by 16.7% to €60 million. Embedded creatives – designers working in sectors such as fashion, automotive and food – produced €557 million, accounting for 44.2% of the total cultural value added and employing 8,343 workers. Overall employment in the cultural system reached 16,549 (+2.4% YoY) and the number of firms rose to 2,316 (+1.5%). The figures come from the “Io sono Cultura” annual study by Fondazione Symbolae Unioncamere, analyzed by the Emilia‑Romagna Chamber of Commerce.