Talking 5 with Local Public Services Member Dassault
This month's Talking 5 guest is Amanda Grigorescu, ENORTH CSE Director - Construction, Cities and Public Services Industries Expert - Management Director at Dassault
Each month, techUK's Associate Director for Local Public Services, Georgina Maratheftis, interviews a member active in the local government space about their vision for the future of local public services and where digital can make a real difference to people and society. This month we talk with Amanda Grigorescu, ENORTH CSE Director - Construction, Cities and Public Services Industries Expert - Management Director, about the role that digital plays in making smarter, more sustainable decisions for communities.
Welcome Amanda. Firstly, tell me more about you, your career and how you got to this position today?
As for me, I am the Director of Cities, Construction, and Services at Dassault Systèmes. My career has been driven by a desire to create positive change in the world. I joined Dassault Systèmes because I wanted to use technology and innovation to make a tangible difference in people's lives. I’m passionate about leveraging digital tools to improve urban environments, protect natural habitats, and enhance the well-being of communities.
One of the reasons I’m particularly committed to this role is because I believe that technology can be a powerful enabler for sustainable development. Whether it's reducing carbon footprints, improving infrastructure efficiency, or engaging citizens in urban planning, I see immense potential to transform cities and public services for the better.
Every day, I’m inspired by the opportunity to work on projects that not only address complex challenges but also leave a lasting, positive impact on the environment and society.
What is the greatest opportunity for local government when it comes to digital?
The greatest opportunity for local governments in the digital space, especially with Dassault Systèmes’ City and Public Services solutions, is using virtual twin technology to make smarter, more sustainable decisions for their communities.
With virtual twins, cities can create realistic, interactive models to visualize how changes like new roads, buildings, or green spaces will impact traffic, air quality, and the local economy—before making any actual changes. This helps cities plan better, save money, and reduce risks.
It also allows local governments to engage more effectively with residents. For example, showing a 3D simulation of a new public transport system can help people understand its benefits, making it easier to gather support and feedback.
Moreover, virtual twin solutions help cities become more resilient and responsive. In times of crisis, such as a flood or pandemic, having a virtual twin enables cities to simulate different response strategies and choose the most effective one quickly.
Overall, the biggest opportunity lies in using virtual tools to build smarter, more connected, and sustainable communities, where governments can anticipate challenges, involve citizens in decision-making, and make informed choices that benefit everyone.
What is your vision for the future of local public services and places?
My vision for the future of local public services and places is one where digital technology empowers communities to be smarter, more sustainable, and deeply connected. I envision cities and towns using virtual twins and data analytics to make informed decisions that enhance the quality of life for residents. This means public services that are more responsive, efficient, and tailored to the needs of each community.
Imagine a city where traffic flows smoothly because smart infrastructure adapts in real-time, and public spaces are designed with input from residents using immersive 3D simulations. Public services would be seamlessly integrated, from healthcare to education, with digital platforms enabling easy access and personalized support.
I see local governments leveraging technology to engage citizens in meaningful ways, fostering a sense of community ownership and collaboration. This could include virtual town halls, interactive planning sessions, and real-time feedback channels.
Overall, my vision is a future where technology and human-centric design come together to create vibrant, resilient, and inclusive communities. Places where innovation drives progress, but people remain at the heart of every decision, ensuring that public services truly serve the public good.
Local Public Services Programme activities
Our Local Public Services Programme helps techUK members to navigate local government. We champion innovation that can create truly digital local public services helping to create thriving, productive and safer places for all. Visit the programme page here
Local Public Services Innovation Summit 2025
Attend techUK’s annual Local Public Services Innovation Summit where we will convene local authorities with tech industry to showcase good practise and facilitate greater collaboration between councils and industry.
Call for submissions: Get involved in techUK’s Local Public Services Innovation Awareness Day 2025
techUK members and local government stakeholders are invited to contribute to techUK’s Local Public Services Innovation Awareness Day with key initiatives, on 21 May.
We are partnering with the LGA to deliver a webinar as part of Women's History Month, where we will be hearing from women leaders in both local government and techUK members on their career journeys, barriers they have overcome and what both the tech and local government sector can learn from each other to continue increasing women representation and progression across our sectors.
Join us to hear more about their digital strategy, initiatives, their ambitions for the future and how you can get involved. We will be joined by Heather Clark (Economics), Head of City Economy and External Funding Strategy at City of Wolverhampton Council.
Do you have a trailblazer in your team?
Do you work with an innovator or a problem solver?
Do you have an inspirational colleague who deserves the spotlight for their work? The President’s Awards are back for 2025 and open for nominations. All techUK members are encouraged to nominate one colleague.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Alison Young is the Associate Director Local Public Services.
Alison has background in International Trade & Investment, with experience in the public, private and third sector, advising on international trade, new markets, inward investment and working closely with UK cities and regions around investment into innovation and partnerships and technology. Prior to joining techUK, she has her own consulting business and was Head of Global Investment with the Connected Places Catapult. This role had a focus on FDI around the built environment and mobility, working across NetZero mobility projects in the UK and globally. She worked closely with the Innovation Districts Group, to foster and network of knowledge sharing and helped set up the Freeport Innovation Network, to foster innovation in the context of freeports with a focus on investment.
She spent six years living and working in the Middle East, with the Department for Business and Trade. Based first in Oman, leading on a number of sectors, from Education to Infrastructure, then based in the UAE, setting up the Technology and Smart Cities sector, with a core focus on AI and Fintech.
She is passionate about economic growth for the UK, to create jobs and opportunities; the green agenda and the decarbonisation of transport. She has a degree in Russian Studies MA, from the University of Edinburgh and is currently learning Arabic.
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy Modha
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
Georgina is techUK’s Associate Director for Local Public Services
Georgina works with suppliers that are active or looking to break into the market as well as with local public services to create the conditions for meaningful transformation. techUK regularly bring together local public services and supplier community to horizon scan and explore how the technologies of today and tomorrow can help solve some of the most pressing problems our communities face and improve outcomes for our people and places.
Prior to techUK, Georgina worked for a public policy events company where she managed the policy briefing division and was responsible for generating new ideas for events that would add value to the public sector. Georgina worked across a number of portfolios from education, criminal justice, and health but had a particular interest in public sector transformation and technology. Georgina also led on developing relationships across central and local government.
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