This working paper by Kurt Obermeier represents an attempt to test the relevance and "disclosing power" of the simple formula of revealed comparative advantage suggested by Bela Balassa on the data of a small open economy: Austria. The paper shows what difficulties emerge in the practical use of this formula and what conclusions one can draw from the message it conveys. Certainly it allows a certain metrics to be designed into a volatile field where it can then convey counterintuitive results. The encouraging results of this working paper warrant further study.