What term describes the first person or business to adopt new technology for a potential advantage?

The term that describes the first person or business to adopt new technology for a potential advantage is "Innovator." Innovators are often characterized as risk-takers who are eager to explore new ideas and technologies. They play a critical role in the technology adoption lifecycle, as they are usually the first to implement and experiment with new advancements long before they become mainstream.

In the context of the technology adoption lifecycle, innovators are followed by early adopters, who are often more selective and look for proven benefits before fully committing to a new technology. The early majority, on the other hand, waits for the technology to be validated and widely accepted before making adoption decisions.

Strategic investors involve themselves in technology primarily from a financial perspective, aiming for returns on investment rather than being the first to adopt the technology itself.

Thus, associating the term "Innovator" with the description given in the question emphasizes the pioneering nature of those who are willing to take the initial leap into new technologies to gain a competitive edge.