This thesis studies the adjustments and adaptations in the International Key Account Management (IKAM) strategies of Swedish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in recent worldwide geopolitical tensions and crisis conditions towards their suppliers (Key Accounts). The tensions have sharply shifted the world economy, supply chains, and international business relations. Since SMEs form the majority of the Swedish economy, a large proportion of the focus of these SMEs is on international trade; hence, understanding the strategic responses to these challenges is essential.  The study will be conducted through a qualitative multiple-case method, featuring six business cases with different backgrounds who possess broad experience and knowledge in international trade and IKAM. The interviews will allow the research to further understand the challenges and adaptations that have been made when managing supplier relationships during crises outside of the theoretical. Through semi-structured interviews, the research will provide key factors that have affected the IKAM strategies, showcasing the importance of strategic flexibility, adaptability, and proactiveness when dealing with crisis management.  Key findings indicate that, over time, SMEs will need to become more strategically flexible, adaptable, and proactive when applying IKAM practices. Notable adjustments are the reshoring of production closer to Sweden, the diversification of the supplier base to reduce risks, and increasing preparedness for crises by giving more emphasis to communication and relationship management. The dynamic capabilities needed to assure organizational resilience are emphasized in the presented study. The conclusions developed are subject to the dynamic nature of IKAM practices vis-à-vis global uncertainties and, therefore, it provides actionable insights beneficial for Swedish SMEs to navigate future crises more effectively. As such, the current insights have added new dimensions not only to theoretical but also practical learning and have provided invaluable implications for increasing the resiliency and sustainability of SMEs in the international business environment.

During the past decades, since the phenomenal event of globalization, more businesses have expanded abroad as they continue to grow as an MNE. Which has led to them growing larger and with more people and relationships to manage, bringing us to the founding of the KAM system. A system with the purpose of guiding companies in how to manage both its internal and external relationships, though mainly those who are key accounts. As the system grows more popular amongst companies it has been found that the structure of it does differentiate between them. This has been in terms of how formalized it is. This brings the question of whether or not the level of formalization has an affect on how effective the system is in fulfilling its purpose in the company. Thus, that is what this research paper aims to examine in a few MNEs. By studying what level of formalization their system has, how it impacts their KA relationship management, and how effective the system is perceived to be by them in achieving this. By combining these three aspects a logical conclusion could be drawn. To achieve this, the study has been designed with an abductive and qualitative research approach, more specifically with case studies to allow for a more in-depth investigation on the topic. This would allow for a deeper understanding for how the system has functioned for and in the company, whilst considering its purpose. Thereafter, the findings are discussed in relation to relevant theories, concepts and framework. While the concepts have provided themes to the analysis, the findings have been used to validate or challenge the theories and frameworks. The discussion finally concludes that the level of formalization in a KAM system does have an impact on its effectiveness in fulfilling its purpose at the company.