in the vanguard (of something)

Having the leading or foremost position of development among others in a trend, movement, industry, etc. The company has long been in the vanguard of computer technology. Every major advancement has come from their labs over the last 50 years. With its aggressive environmental policies, the small country has remained in the vanguard when it comes to combating climate change. The senator had been in the vanguard of the movement to equalize pay for all citizens since the late 1960s.