ahead of (or behind) the curve
(Especially of a business or politician) ahead of (or lagging behind) current thinking or trends: we are continually looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve and provide added value to our consumers...- An increase in imports from overseas, and automation of the weaving processes, mean that Selectus has had to keep ahead of the curve to stay in business.
- Dent makes it his business to be ahead of the curve.
- We can then begin to be ahead of the curve instead of behind it.
See parent entry: curve