na-adjective
cutting-edge; ultramodern; leading-edge
Describes something at the forefront of technology, trends, or ideas; often used for advanced research, design, or methods.
この研究所は先端的な技術を開発している。
This research institute is developing cutting-edge technology.
彼女は先
She is knowledgeable about ultramodern fashion.
革新的 means 'innovative' and emphasizes novelty and reform, whereas 先端的 focuses on being at the leading edge of current development.
Formed from 先端 (せんたん, 'tip' or 'forefront') + the adjectival suffix 的 (てき, '-like' or '-ic').