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This paper points to active models as a general technique for increasing the flexibility of computerised information systems. Active models are available for manipulation by the users at runtime, and the model contents influence the behaviour of the system. This paper explores requirements for the use of active models to support distributed, dynamically networked organisations. In particular, we look at how active business process models can support extended enterprise formation, operation, knowledge sharing and learning. As a framework for this analysis we use a specialisation of a model quality framework. The potential of this model-based approach is further illustrated by examples from the EU-IST project EXTERNAL. This shows that active models can improve cooperation support in an advanced application domain. Our results illustrate how active models face different requirements than passive models used for information system development. In particular, they depend more on the individual, social, and organisational usage context.