This study attempts to explain the mechanism behind the migration from vertically integrated value chain architecture to an innovation ecosystem consisting of horizontally separated layers in value chain. We first present a comprehensive framework based on the theoretical analysis of the drivers for migration to an innovation ecosystem, which are standard (institution), capability distribution, and transaction costs. The theoretical framework suggests that the migration to an innovation ecosystem is explained by the influence of standard on the evolutionary change of capability distribution and transaction costs. In particular, when the new de-jure standard competes with the de-facto standard, the new de-jure standard has the greatest impact on the distribution capabilities and the transaction costs. Based on this theoretical framework, we analyze the latest SDN (Software Defined Networking) case of the network industry. SDN standard has transformed the industry from a vertically integrated value chain architecture to a horizontally separated one with its influence on the distribution capabilities and the transaction costs in the industry.