[ Panel Disscassion ]  Research and development directions and prospects   - Setting the groundwork for the broadcast / communication / information-oriented society ten years hence - [ Chairperson ] Susumu ITO [ Paneler ] Akira TERASAKI Naoto KOBAYASHI Haruhisa Ichikawa Toru ASAMI Kazumasa ENAMI  As digital broadcasting and broadband services become more widespread, information and communication technologies (ICT) will penetrate into every corner of our lives, bringing us that much closer to the ubiquitous network society with enormous value-creation potential. This panel discussion will bring together people from top research institutes in the areas of broadcasting and communications to discuss R&D ideas and objectives from various perspectives. The panelists will address what kind of R&D should be done, how the R&D should be carried out, and what kinds of collaboration should be encouraged between research institutes to move us closer to the kind of broadcast / communication / information-oriented society that we want to see in ten years time. Research and development that enables a better quality of life and that brings us closer to the vision of a safe and secure society is clearly called for.