vanguard, forefront, cutting edge (noun)

the position of greatest importance or advancement; the leading position in any movement or field

"the Cotswolds were once at the forefront of woollen manufacturing in England"; "the idea of motion was always to the forefront of his mind and central to his philosophy"

knife edge, cutting edge (adj)

the sharp cutting side of the blade of a knife

up-to-date, cutting-edge, with-it (adj)

in accord with the most fashionable ideas or style

"wears only the latest style"; "the last thing in swimwear"; "cutting-edge technology"; "a with-it boutique"

cutting edge (Noun)

the sharp edge of the blade of a knife or other cutting tool

cutting edge (Noun)

(by extension) the forefront, or position of greatest advancement in some field