Flexible Modelling: Opportunities,
         Challenges, and Next Steps

                         Dimitrios S. Kolovos

      Department of Computer Science, University of York, UK
               dimitris.kolovos@york.ac.uk



Abstract. Flexibility in the metamodel-model conformance relation-
ship and in textual and graphical model representations is a very desir-
able property for a modelling framework, particularly in the conception
phase of a new DSL. Over the last few years we have witnessed the emer-
gence of several prototypes that relax the rigid conformance relationship
enforced by 3-layer metamodelling frameworks such as EMF and MOF,
and that enable drawings to be interpreted as structured models.

In this invited talk, I will summarise my experiences from developing two
such prototypes (one graphical and one textual), I will discuss opportu-
nities and challenges involved in flexible modelling, and I will present
some thoughts on directions for future research in this area.