Numerical models are essential for advancing fundamental research in heliophysics and for operational forecasting of space weather events. Open science can accelerate progress, but applying an open science approach to numerical models requires careful consideration; models are not data analysis software and often demand substantial domain expertise, experience, and computational resources to be used correctly. This commentary distills the recommendations from Corti et al. (2026), https://doi.org/10.22541/essoar.176824639.92354528/v2 and proposes a pathway for advancing heliophysics and space weather modeling through open science. Rather than focusing on open science policies and practices, we recommend concrete actions to make models usable by the broader community (open use), increase confidence and transparency throughout the Research-to-Operations-to-Research (R2O2R) pipeline (open validation), enable collaborative model improvement (open development), and strengthen partnerships (open collaboration). Together, these recommendations address several of the open science challenges experienced by contributing authors in developing, validating, using, and hosting advanced models, as identified during the 2024 Open Science Workshop held at College Park, USA. The recommendations also highlight the importance of a culture of shared responsibility, adherence to best practices, and proper recognition of prior work. The Heliophysics Open Modeling Environment will serve as a platform for modelers and model users to work together, facilitate community modeling, and increase the scientific return on modeling investment.