Guest editorial to the special issue on 'modelling-foundations and applications'.

The authors reflect on papers that not only indicate the current depth, breadth, and maturity of research and application of model-driven engineering (MDE), but also provide an overview of some of the current open issues. It states that MDE elements such as metamodelling and model transformations are important for leveraging the potential advantages that MDE brings to the software industry. An overview of the 2012 European Conference on Modelling Foundations and Application is offered.