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
Regional perspectives on local Net Zero through tech (Birmingham)
Join us in Birmingham for a dynamic and insightful session exploring how climate planning is evolving in devolved regions, with a spotlight on the West Midlands.
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.
Programme Manager – Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Luke Newcombe
Programme Manager – Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Luke joined techUK in September 2025 as a Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions.
Luke works closely with members and stakeholders across industry and government at local, regional and national levels to support collaboration, drive innovation and strengthen tech-enabled public services. His work supports the development of strong local and regional tech economies by helping organisations to engage with public sector challenges, explore emerging technologies and build impactful partnerships.
Prior to joining techUK, Luke worked at Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s export development agency. He began by advising SMEs on export strategy to the UK and later focused on connecting Irish businesses with multinational organisations to foster strategic partnerships, drive international growth and support economic development.
Luke holds an MSc in Political Economy from the University of Amsterdam and a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
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.
If you’d like to learn more about techUK, or want to get involved, get in touch.
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Francesca Richiusa
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.