A method and system are provided for encapsulation and re-use of a model. A modeling platform creates a governance contract governing the exportation and modification of elements of the model by other models. In response to a request to import at least one element of the model into a second model, the modeling platform exports the requested at least one element by reference only if the element has a governance setting that allows for exportation. In response to a request to modify at least one imported element of the model in the second model, the modeling platform determines the governance setting for the element. Then, the modeling platform modifies the element by composing the modification in the second model only if the element has a governance setting that allows modification.