Descriptional Complexity of Finite Automata: Concepts and Open Problems

"Automata theory is not over" is the message of this paper. But if one wishes a renaissance of automata theory, then one should prefer to return to the investigation of the fundamental, classical problems of automata theory rather then searching for new applications and defining numerous questionable modifications of basic models. We argue for this opinion here and try co outline a way that could lead to a renaissance of automata theory.