The term smart growth is associated with the necessary paths to achieve a sustainable course of economic development. Though being a modern term, it crystallises the tradition of the classical political economy regarding the role of technical change, population control and sustainability. John Stuart Mill is the classical economist who provided the theoretical framework of the term. By stressing the role of knowledge and environmental protection, core tenets of smart growth, he illustrates the macro (long-run) perspective of economic development. His notion of the ‘Stationary State’ includes these elements which are driving smart growth. By showing the differences into the mechanics of knowledge J.S. Mill shows that the historical distinction between ‘West and East’ countries is seated on the uneven diffusion of knowledge among people.

术语智能增长与实现经济可持续发展的必要途径有关。虽然是一个现代术语，但它体现了古典政治经济学关于技术变革、人口控制和可持续性的作用的传统。John Stuart Mill 是古典经济学家，他提供了该术语的理论框架。通过强调知识和环境保护的作用，智能增长的核心原则，他阐述了经济发展的宏观（长期）视角。他的“静止状态”概念包括这些推动智能增长的要素。通过展示知识机制的差异，JS Mill 表明“西方和东方”国家之间的历史区别在于人们之间知识的不均衡传播。