  We show that key results of supersymmetry can be achieved via conformal
symmetry. We propose that the Higgs boson be a dynamical bound state rather
than an elementary scalar, so that there is no quadratic divergence self-energy
problem for it and no need to invoke supersymmetry to resolve it. We study a
conformal invariant theory of interacting fermions and gauge bosons, in which
there is scaling with anomalous dimensions and dynamical symmetry breaking,
with the dynamical dimension of $\bar{\psi}\psi$ being reduced from 3 to 2.
With this reduction we augment the theory with a then renormalizable 4-fermion
interaction with dynamical dimension equal to 4. We reinterpret the theory as a
renormalizable version of the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model, with the gauge
theory sector with its now massive fermion being the mean field and the
4-fermion interaction being the residual interaction. It is this residual
interaction that generates dynamical Goldstone and Higgs states, states that,
as noted by Baker and Johnson, the gauge theory sector itself does not possess.
The Higgs boson is found to be a narrow resonance just above threshold. We
couple the theory to conformal gravity, with the interplay between conformal
gravity and the 4-fermion interaction taking care of the vacuum energy problem.
With conformal gravity being a consistent quantum gravity theory there is no
need for string theory with its supersymmetric underpinnings. With conformal
gravity fits to galactic rotation curves and the accelerating universe not
needing dark matter, there is no need to introduce supersymmetry for either the
vacuum energy problem or to provide a potential dark matter candidate. We
propose that it is conformal symmetry rather than supersymmetry that is
fundamental, with the theory of nature being a locally conformal, locally gauge
invariant, non-Abelian NJL theory.
