Alan Murray: The future is bright for Edinburgh College of Art

Three years ago, when I was appointed to my position at the Edinburgh College of Art, it quickly became clear that there was enormous potential for us to become a world-leading art college. With an outside perspective and a background working in leading European institutions, I recognised that, as an independent entity, the college had hit its glass ceiling.

We are excellent educators and in many areas of research punch well above our weight. Creativity is not the exclusive domain of independent art institutions: it can take place in labs, lecture theatres, workshops and offices, as well as studios.

We have traditionally collaborated with colleagues at the University of Edinburgh, but, since merger became a serious possibility, we have all increasingly realised the stunning potential for both institutions.

One example is the development of a Centre of Design-Informatics between the college's School of Design and the university's School of Informatics, which would bring together world-leading groupings in informatics, design and entrepreneurialism. Old divisions and distinctions are dissolving; designers and users, producers and consumers are working together in new ways.

The university sees the college as a valuable additional dimension to its outstanding portfolio.Within this integrated institution, Edinburgh College of Art will retain its name, identity, campus, admissions procedures and studio-based approaches to learning, teaching and assessment.

Edinburgh College of Art should not be content to swim around in its own gene pool. Students and staff at both institutions are eager for cross-fertilisation of disciplines and philosophies, and Edinburgh College of Art, as the fourth college of one of the world's leading universities, would strengthen Scotland's excellence in teaching and research in addition to contributing to its creative industries. A merged institution would be the most appropriate and compelling platform for change.

• Alan Murray is head of the school of design at Edinburgh College of Art.