に先駆けて・を皮切りに: the difference
に先駆けてN1
Meaning
First, Prior to, Pioneer, Ahead of
Past papers
Example
１７６３年に、プロイセンは他国に先駆けて近代的な義務教育を導入した。
In 1763, ahead of other countries, Prussia introduced modern compulsory education.
を皮切りにN1
Meaning
Beginning of, Starting with
Past papers
Tested once in past papers
Example
駅前店の開店を皮切りとして、そのチェーンは次々と新しい店を出している。
Starting with the opening of the station-front branch, the chain has been opening new shops one after another.
How to tell them apart
「〜に先駆けて」: being the first, seizing the lead; has a pioneering shine.
「〜に先立って」: neutral order in time, e.g. handing out materials before a meeting; stresses preparation, not innovation.
「〜を皮切りに」: starting with this, a series of similar events follows.