Strengthening basic research to enhance the ability of source innovation is a major strategic decision made by the Party Central Committee. Studying the status quo of global basic research on magnetic resonance imaging will help our country to break through the technical problem of high-end equipment stuck in the neck. Engineering technical papers are the main form of achievement in basic research. Papers in engineering and instrumentation disciplines are measured and visualized using CiteSpace, to investigate changes in research interest, key research topics, hot technical areas, and cutting-edge technology directions for basic research on magnetic resonance imaging. Finally, three suggestions are put forward to empower the innovation and development of magnetic resonance in our country, including that pay attention to opportunity research and top-level planning, strengthening the collaborative innovation system under the leadership of the government; focusing on basic research and common technologies, and strengthen key product research and development and insurance for major diseases; aim at precision medicine and intelligent medicine, and speed up to seize the commanding heights of technology and industry, based on the current status and trends of the global basic research on magnetic resonance applications.