Abstract: 2075 literatures on the relationship between higher education and regional economy from CNKI database were analyzed by using CiteSpace, a visual analysis tool. The results showed that there were many research forces in the field of higher education and regional economy while there was a lack of close cooperation between the authors. The interaction, adaptation, coordination and development path among them were studied. Since 1991, the research focus has undergone three stages of transformation:ethnic minority higher education higher vocational education higher education and economic coordination and innovation, showing an obvious policy-oriented function. At the same time, there are also weak in theoretical explanatory and guidance power. In the future, breakthroughs should be made by expanding academic team, changing research concept, expanding research methods, strengthening theoretical basis, innovating research content and highlighting local characteristics.