1. At a computer system including a processor and a memory, a computer-implemented method for implementing a generalized workflow execution model configured to provide access to workflow elements, the method comprising: an act of instantiating a generalized workflow execution model that provides access to one or more workflow elements stored in a database that is connected to the workflow execution model, wherein the workflow execution model includes the following: one or more activity models that include both agents which are configured to express the control flow of the activity models and symbols which represent values usable by the activity models; and a portion of metadata configured to identify the workflow execution model; an act of receiving user input requesting one or more workflow elements; and an act of accessing the database to provide the requested workflow elements using the generalized workflow execution model.