A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for managing the evolution of a data model through the application of change statements. Each change statement comprises a change operator operable to perform change operations on the elements of a target data model. The change statements are appended to a data model change stack. Execution of the change statements stored in the data model change stack results in change operations being performed on the target data model. Each change statement is associated with a version ID and a timestamp which identify the scope of the data model version and time instance of the change.