Big data technology is a new stage of information development. In recent years, it has been widely used in many fields, especially in social science research. This paper analyzes the development status and significance of the combination of big data technology and social science research, on the basis of summarizing and combing the concept of big data and its important role. Taking the application of big data method in the research of innovation education as an example, this paper makes a series of visualization analysis with Citespace software on the related literature with the theme of “big data and innovation education” collected by CNKI, such as annual analysis, literature source analysis, co-occurrence analysis of authors, organization analysis, keyword clustering analysis and keyword timing analysis. This paper also draws the corresponding knowledge mapping, clarifies its research status, hot spots and development trend, and provides scientific basis for the research of innovation education. Thus the paper believes that the research on big data and innovation education needs to strengthen interdisciplinary communication and cooperation, refine and deepen the research theme and content.