Summary and look to the future

Abstract

A brief review is given of (i) the initial performance and impact of LEP, and (ii) possible improvements in LEP’s capabilities and research which may be carried out in the future. Following an overview of the experimental and theoretical shortcomings of the so-called Standard Model, the potential of future colliders that are under construction or consideration is summarized. Emphasis is placed on the potential of the Large Hadron Collider that may be built at CERN in the LEP tunnel, which would be a natural successor to LEP.