To be ahead of the curve is to do something faster than most people. If you finish your English essay on the day it's assigned, instead of waiting until the last minute, you'll be ahead of the curve.
Most businesses try to be ahead of the curve, predicting future trends or quickly incorporating new ideas. While some doubt the benefits of AI, other companies are trying to stay ahead of the curve by using the technology early. A politician might attempt to get ahead of the curve by addressing controversies or challenges before her opponent has a chance to do it. Etymologists think this North American phrase comes from a curve on a graph in math or statistics.