17 Apr 2025
,Ukraine
Italy continues to consolidate its position as the undisputed leader in the European design sector. With a total turnover of 6.3 billion euros, the country represents 19.8% of the total value of the sector at a European level. This result not only emphasizes the strength of the Italian design industry, but also highlights its ability to grow and adapt to new market challenges.
During 2022, the design sector in Italy recorded a 4% increase in turnover, a sign of a healthy and continuously expanding sector. The increase in turnover is accompanied by an increase in the number of employees, which has exceeded 63,600 units with a 5.2% increase. These positive figures are the result of a well-orchestrated national strategy that has focused on the importance of creativity and innovation to maintain and improve competitiveness on international markets.
A central aspect of this growth is the added value of the design sector, which amounts to 3.2 billion euros. Design is not just an economic sector, but a powerful engine of innovation that involves multiple industries and stimulates research and development of new solutions. This translates into a positive impact on the entire national economy, contributing to the creation of value and progress in various fields.
The report “Design Economy 2025”, promoted by the Symbola Foundation in collaboration with Deloitte Private, Poli.Design and ADI, has highlighted the strategic importance of design for the competitiveness of the Italian production system. This document proposes a detailed analysis of the sector and its potential for the future, offering food for thought for companies and policy makers.
Luciano Galimberti, president of ADI, emphasized how design is taking on an increasingly important role in the Italian economy. According to Galimberti, it is fundamental to recognize design as a true engine of innovation. Design, with its ability to combine aesthetics, functionality and sustainability, becomes an essential element to guide change and respond to the needs of the global market.
Milan, long recognized as the international capital of design, Milan, long recognized as the international capital of design, remains at the center of this movement. However, the entire Italian design landscape is proving to be lively and dynamic, thanks to the emergence of new skills and innovative training models. This translates into a creative ecosystem that not only supports the training of young designers, but also promotes the growth of new entrepreneurial realities in the sector.
In conclusion, the design sector in Italy is not only a source of national pride, but a strategic asset for the future of the country. Its ability to evolve and grow is an indicator of the economic and cultural vitality that characterizes the peninsula, making it a point of reference at a European and global level.
