For materials science and manufacturing, the use of semantic technologies is expected to be a key priority over the next 5–10 years as industries become increasingly reliant on data-driven decision-making, innovation, and sustainability practices. Indeed, semantic technologies are transforming materials science innovation by enabling efficient and effective integration of data and modelling in industrial research and development environments. This article discusses the importance of materials modelling workflows within enterprises. It delves into the benefits, challenges and practicalities of implementing a semantic interoperability platform that integrates materials modelling more deeply into the enterprise, improves its efficiency and supports collaboration. The article highlights the work completed in this area as part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 project OpenModel.