Parma enjoys an advantageous geographic position strategically connected to the Tyrrhenian area with first-class infrastructure including one of the two most important regional intermodal facilities (CEPIM), an international airport and “Fiere di Parma” exhibition centre which holds global events. The territory has a population of 452,000 inhabitants and is home to the University of Parma which has over 25,000 enrolled students. The two main industries are mechanics and agribusiness and there are various integrations between these and the European agency EFSA which is based in Parma. These industries are followed by living and pharmaceutics. The territory is not lacking in historical (art cities, castles and villages) and natural attractions (Apennine tours).
Population
| PARMA | Data | Source – Year |
| Total population | 452.015 | Istat – 2019 |
| Male | 49% | Istat – 2019 |
| Female | 51% | Istat – 2019 |
| % youth population (<15 years) | 13,2% | Istat – 2019 |
| % elderly population (>65 years) | 23,2% | Istat – 2019 |
| No. students enrolled in university | 25.073 | Miur – a.a. 2017/18 |
Residential property market trends
(SOURCE OMI, ARTER)
The province of Parma is made up of 45 municipalities. Between 2013 and 2018, normalized transactions (NTN) grew by 51.2% from 3,611.45 to 5,460.23. In terms of market dynamics, there was an increase in transactions in 2018 (+ 6.9%) on a provincial basis.
In terms of property size, transactions in the province of Parma can be broken down as shown:
- 7% properties up to 50 sqm
- 27% properties between 50 sqm and 85 sqm
- 33% properties between 85 sqm and 115 sqm
- 15% properties between 115 sqm and 145 sqm
- 18% over 145 sqm
Parma is the leading province for medium-large transactions, with the highest number of transactions in the sale and purchase of properties between 85 m2 and 115 m2. Comparison of the 2018 IMI figures for the municipalities in Emilia-Romagna with respective national and regional figures reveals that Parma is among the municipalities that enjoy a lively market superior to both the national and regional average.
The provincial capital has an average price of €1,635/m2.
Description of socio-economic context
Production specialisation, districts and specialities, foreign investors in the province
The key sectors are mechanics and agribusiness, particularly agribusiness machines (especially packaging), baked goods and meat products. Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano are among the globally renowned typical products. EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, and Alma, the international cooking school, are based here. In addition to the living sector, pharmaceutics is a strong manufacturing sector here and has one of the highest growth trends in the region. A total of 387 foreign multinationals have invested in the province, including: Crown Imballaggi, Tetra Laval (Sidel), Elantas, Gea Group, John Bean, Pioneer Hi-Bred, and TGK. Other outstanding companies include: Barilla, Chiesi, Mutti, Bonatti, and OCME.
| Companies and work | Data | Source – Year |
| Number of local units | 44.602 | Smail – 2017 |
| Employees | 167.288 | Smail – 2017 |
| Unemployment rate | 4,8% | Istat – 2018 |
Employees by supply chain (Smail 2017)
Services
Innovation, transport, smart city, etc.
Parma holds 8th place nationally (out of over 100 cities) in the 2019 smart city index by I-City Rank (Forum PA). Logistics is particularly strategic here with the presence of CEPIM, one of the two most important freight terminals in the region. The Fiera di Parma is one of the most important exhibition centres in the region with world-class events such as Mecspe and Cibus/Cibus Tech as well as SPS Italia, Salone del Camper and many others. The Parma Technopole is integrated into the university campus and comprises various laboratories (Biopharmanet-tec, Cidea, Cim, Cipack, Comt, FutureTechnology lab, and Siteia.Parma). Other facilities include the SSICA Experimental Station.
Cultural and natural heritage, accommodation, tourism
There is a widespread presence of buildings of historical and artistic interest, from the provincial capital to the Castles of the Duchy, Borgo Val di Taro, the Ducal Palace of Colorno and the Masone labyrinth. The province registers visitor numbers equivalent to 1.7 million overnight stays and an accommodation capacity of approximately 19,000 beds (2018). Parma is recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy and is the Italian Capital of Culture in 2020. Cultural attractions include the presence of the Regio di Parma Theatre. Natural attractions are varied and include the Parco dei Cento Laghi park.
For more information: www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it/it/localita/parma
Map of main structures and infrastructure
| Distanze | Km |
| Parma – Bologna | 100 |
| Parma – Verona | 112 |
| Parma – La Spezia | 124 |
| Parma – Milano | 130 |
A selection of companies from the Province of Parma
Real estate in Parma
URBAN REGENERATION: “RAIL STATION FS –...
FIDENZA – ACTIVITY PARK
FIDENZA – EX-CIP AND EX-CARBOCHIMICA A...
PRATO SPILLA TOURIST COMPLEX
In-depth links
- Università di Parma: https://www.unipr.it/
- Interporto Cepim: http://www.cepimspa.it/?lang=en
- Fiere di Parma: https://www.fiereparma.it/en/
- Cibus: https://www.cibus.it/en/
- Mecspe: https://www.mecspe.com/en/
- SPS Italia: https://www.spsitalia.it/en/home
Italian only:
- Parma Capitale Italiana della Cultura 2020: https://parma2020.it/it-IT/home-parmacapitalecultura.aspx
- Comune di Parma: https://www.comune.parma.it/
- Tecnopolo di Parma: http://www.centritecnopolo.unipr.it/